Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012

CHAPTER I PRELIMINARY
1. (1) (2) (3) 2. (1) (2) (3) Short title, extent and application.These regulations may be called the Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012. They shall extend to the whole of India. They shall apply to every mine of whatever description other than a coal or an oil mine. Definitions.- (A) In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires,abandoned working mean such working as have been abandoned with no intention of working in future; Act means the Mines Act, 1952; approved safety lamp and approved electric torch mean respectively, a safety lamp or an electric torch, manufactured by such firm and of such type as the Chief Inspector may from time to time specify by notification in the Official Gazette; assistant manager means a person possessing a Managers Certificate appointed in writing by the owner, agent or manager to assist the manager in the control, management and direction of the mine or part thereof, and who takes rank immediately below the manager; auxiliary fan means a forcing fan or an exhausting fan used belowground wholly or mainly for ventilating one or more faces or blind ends forming part of a ventilating district; banksman means a person appointed to superintend the lowering and raising of p ersons, tools and materials and to transmit signals at the top of a shaft or winze; bellman means a person appointed to superintend the raising and lowering of persons, tools, materials and the transmission of signals at any landing; blaster means a person possessing a Managers, Foremans, Mates or Blasters Certificate and appointed by the manager in writing to perform the duties of a blaster under these regulations, and includes a Shotfirer; booster fan means a mechanical ventilator used belowground for boosting the whole current of air passing along the intake or return airway of a mine or ventilating district; Committee means a Committee appointed under section 12 of the Act; competent person in relation to any work or any machinery, plant or equipment means a person who has attained the age of 20 years and who has been duly appointed in writing by the Manager as a person competent to supervise or perform that work or to supervise the operation of that machinery, plant or equipment, and who is responsible for the duties assigned to him, and includes a Blaster; [contractor means an individual, an association of individuals, company or firm, a local authority or body who contracts for the services or operations in a mine, and includes a sub-contractor; deep-hole drilling and blasting means drill holes made more than three metres in depth and used for blasting in an opencast mining operation; designer means an individual, association of individuals, company or institution who designs a metal mining system, method of metalliferous mining or machinery, plant, equipment, appliance or substances for use in metalliferous mines; discontinued working means such working in a mine as have been discontinued for some reasons and are inaccessible or rendered inaccessible but are likely to be worked again; District Magistrate in relation to any mine, means the District Magistrate or the Deputy Commissioner, as the case may be, who is vested with the executive powers of maintaining law and order in the revenue district in which the mine is situated: Provided that in the case of a mine, which is situated partly in one district and partly in another, the District Magistrate for the purposes of these regulations shall be the District Magistrate authorised in the behalf by the Central Government; disused working mean such working in a mine where work has been temporarily stopped due to some reasons but which are accessible and include unused working; electrical supervisor for the purpose of this regulation shall have the same meaning as defined under the Electricity Rules, 2005; explosive shall have the same meaning as is assigned to that term in the Indian Explosives Act, 1884 (4 of 1884); face means the moving front of any working place or the inbye end of any drive, level, crosscut, raise or winze; "financial year" means a period of twelve months from the first day of April to the last day of March; form means a Form as set out in the First Schedule; gas includes fume or vapour; general body of air means the general atmosphere in the working belowground and includes the atmosphere in the roof cavities, but does not include general atmosphere in the sealed off area or in any borehole drilled in the ore or waste rock; haul road means any passage of road, which is maintained and used in connection with the working of opencast mine for plying of machinery; Heavy Earth Moving Machinery (HEMM) means automotive or electrical machinery used in mechanised opencast mines for digging, drilling (excluding hand held drills and drill machines capable of drilling hole of a diameter up to 50 mm), dredging, hydraulicking, ripping, dozing, grading, excavating, loading, transporting minerals or overburden; incline means an inclined passage or road either on the surface or belowground; inset means a landing or platform in a shaft, and includes an excavation therefrom between the top and the bottom of the shaft; landing means any floor or platform in a shaft or winze, which is an authorised stopping place of the cage or other means of conveyance, and includes a plat; machinery means (i) any locomotive or any stationary or portable engine, air compressor, boiler or steam apparatus, or any such apparatus, appliances or combination of appliances which is intended for developing, storing, transmitting, converting or utilizing energy; or

(4)

(5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11)

(12) (13)

(14) (15)

(16) (17) (18) (19) (20) (21) (22) (23)

(24) (25)

(26) (27) (28) (29)

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any such apparatus, appliance or combination of appliances if any power developed, stored, transmitted, converted or utilised thereby is, used or intended for use in connection with mining operations; or (iii) any such equipment used for cutting, drilling, loading and transport of material; (30) manager means a Manager appointed under regulation 30; (31) manufacturer means an individual, association of individuals, company or institution wh o manufactures machinery, plant, equipment, appliance or substances for use in metalliferous mines; (32) material includes rock, debris, stone, mineral, ore or any other material; (33) metalliferous mine includes every mine other than a coal or an oil mine; (34) mine foreman means a person possessing a Managers or Foremans Certificate and appointed by the Manager in writing, under the designation whatsoever, to perform the duties of supervision or control in a mine or part thereof and includes a Shift Boss; (35) mining mate means a person possessing a Managers, Foremans or Mates Certificate and appointed by the Manager in writing, under any designation whatsoever, to perform the duties of a mining mate under these regulations, and includes an Overseer or Head Mistri; (36) misfire means the failure to explode of an entire charge of explosives in a shothole or blast hole; (37) month means a calendar month; (38) official means a person appointed in writing by the owner, agent or manager to perform duties o f supervision in a mine or part thereof and includes an assistant or underground manager, a ventilation officer, a safety officer, a foreman, a mining mate, an engineer and a surveyor; (39) permitted explosive means an explosive manufactured by such firm and of such type as the Ch ief Inspector may from time to time specify by notification in the Official Gazette; (40) public road means a road maintained for public use and under the jurisdiction of any government or local authority; (41) quarter means a period of three months ending on the 31st March, 30th June, 30th September or 31st December; (42) railway means a railway as defined in the Railways Act, 1890; (43) Regional Inspector means the Inspector of Mines having jurisdiction over a geographical area in which the mine is situated and over which he exercises his powers under the Act; (44) "risk" means combination of the likelihood of a specific unwanted event and includes potential consequences, if it should occur; (45) river means any stream or current of water, whether seasonal or perennial, and i ncludes its banks extending up to the highest known flood level; (46) roadway means any passage or drivage or part thereof belowground which is maintained in connection with the working of a mine; (47) Schedule means a Schedule appended to these regulations; (48) shaft means a way or opening leading from the surface to working belowground or from one part of the working belowground to another, in which cage or other means of conveyance can travel freely suspended, with or without the use of guides; (49) signalman means a person appointed to superintend the lowering and raising of persons, tools and materials and to transmit signals at the top of a shaft or incline; (50) socket means a shot-hole or blast hole or part thereof remaining after being charged with explosive and blasted, and which is not known to be a misfired hole; (51) supplier means an individual, association of individuals, company or institution who supplies a technology, machinery, plant, equipment, appliance or substances for use in metalliferous mines; (52) support includes timber-work, masonry, packwalls, sandpacks, iron-work, or any other form of support; (53) tub includes a wagon, car, truck, hutch, bandy, bucket or any other vehicle moving on rails for conveying material, but does not include a railway wagon; (54) ventilation district means such part of a mine belowground as has an independent intake airway commencing from a main intake airway, and an independent return airway terminating at a main return airway, and, in the case of a mine or part thereof which is ventilated by natural means, the whole mine or part; (55) winze or raise means a small shaft, either vertical or inclined, in the working belowground; (56) working means any excavation made or being made in a mine for search of or obtaining ore; (57) working place means any place in a mine to which any person has lawful access. (B) Words and expression used in these regulations and not defined herein but defined in the Act shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them under the Act. * * * * * * * * * * * * *

(ii)

Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012

CHAPTER-II RETURNS, NOTICES AND RECORDS

3.

Notice of Opening.The notice for commencement of mining operations under section 16 of the Act shall be submitted in Form I accompanied by a plan showing the boundaries of the mine and the shafts or openings of the mine, trijunction or revenue pillars and other prominent and permanent surface features to the Chief Inspector and a copy thereof to the Regional Inspector: Provided that in case of change in the boundary of the mine under regulation 127, a plan showing the new boundary, shall be submitted within seven days of the said change. (2) The notice specified in sub-regulation (1) shall be accompanied by(a) copy of the surface plan prepared under sub-regulation (1) of regulation 70; (b) a copy of Safety Management Plan prepared under regulation 115; (c) a copy of Progressive Mine Closure Plan showing steps proposed for reclamation while mining activities are continuing, at five yearly interval; and (d) a copy of Mine Closure Plan showing steps proposed for final reclamation of the mining affected area: (1) Provided that, in respect of a mine, which has already been opened, the plan referred to in clause (a) to (d) shall be submitted within one year of coming into force of these regulations. (3) The Mine Closure Plan referred to in clause (d) of sub-regulation (2) shall be in such form as may be specified by the Chief Inspector of Mines by a general or special order in writing and the plan duly prepared shall be submitted to the Chief Inspector of Mines and such a copy thereof to the Regional Inspector: Provided that, in respect of a mine, which has already been opened, such a plan shall be submitted within six months of coming into force of these regulations. 4. Quarterly returns.On or before the 20th day of January, April, July, and October every year, the owner, agent or manager shall submit to the Chief Inspector and the Regional Inspector quarterly returns in respect of the preceding quarter in Form II. 5. Annual returns.(1) On or before 20th day of February in every year, the owner, agent or manager shall submit to the District Magistrate and to the Chief Inspector annual returns in respect of the preceding year in Form III. (2) If a mine is abandoned or working thereof is discontinued over a period exceeding 60 days or if a change occurs in the ownership of a mine, the returns required under sub-regulation (1) shall be submitted within a period of thirty days of abandonment or change of ownership or within ninety days of discontinuance, as the case may be. 6. Notice of abandonment or discontinuance.(1) Where it is intended to abandon a mine or to discontinue working thereof for a period exceeding 60 days, the owner, agent or manager shall give a notice to the Chief Inspector and the Regional Inspector, stating the reason for such abandonment or discontinuance and the number of persons likely to be affected thereby, not less than forty days before such abandonment or discontinuance: Provided that where on account of unforeseen circumstances or without previous intention a mine is abandoned or discontinued beyond a period of sixty days before the said notice has been given, the notice shall be given forthwith in Form I to the Chief Inspector, the Regional Inspector and the District Magistrate. (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-regulation (1), where it is intended to abandon or discontinue for more than sixty days any working belowground over which is situated any property vested in the Government or any local authority or any railway or any building or permanent structure not belonging to the owner, the owner, agent or manager thereof shall give notice of his intention to the Chief Inspector and the Regional Inspector, not less than forty days before the date of such abandonment or discontinuance. 7. Notice of re-opening.(1) Where it is intended to reopen a mine after abandonment or after discontinuance for a period exceeding sixty days, the owner, agent or manager shall, not less than thirty days before resumption of mining operations, give to the Chief Inspector, the Regional Inspector and the District Magistrate notice in Form I. (2) Where a mine has been reopened, the owner, agent or manager of the mine shall forthwith communicate the actual date of reopening to the Chief Inspector and the Regional Inspector. 8. Change in ownership and addresses, etc.(1)(a) Where a change occurs in the name of ownership of a mine or in the address of the owner, the owner, agent or manager thereof shall, within seven days from the date of the change, give to the Chief Inspector and the Regional Inspector a notice in Form I: Provided that where the owner of a mine is a firm or other association of individuals, a change(I) of any partner in the case of a firm; (II) of any member in the case of an association; (III) of any director in the case of a public company; or (IV) of any shareholder in the case of a private company, shall also be intimated to the Chief Inspector and the Regional Inspector, within seven days from the date of the change. (b) When the ownership of a mine is transferred, the previous owner or his agent shall make over to the new owner or his agent, within a period of seven days of the transfer of ownership, all plans, sections, reports, registers and other records maintained in pursuance of the Act and of these regulations, or orders made thereunder, and all correspondence relating to the working of the mine relevant thereto, and when the requirements of this clause have been duly complied with, both the previous and the new owners or their respective agents shall forthwith inform the Chief Inspector and the Regional Inspector in writing. (2) When any new appointment is made of an agent, manager, engineer, surveyor, ventilation officer, safety officer, assistant manager or when the employment of any such person is terminated or any such person leaves the said employment, or when any change occurs in the address of any agent or manager, the owner, agent or manager shall, within seven days

Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012

from the date of such appointment, termination or change give to the Chief Inspector and the Regional Inspector a notice in Form I. (3) The owner of a mine shall submit in writing to the Chief Inspector and the Regional Inspector, a statement showing names and designation of every person authorised to act on behalf of the owner in respect of management, control, supervision or direction of the mine. (4) The statement shall also show the responsibilities of every such person and the matters in respect of which he is authorised to act on behalf of the owner. (5) Every such person shall be deemed to be agent for the mine or group of mines, as the case may be, in respect of the responsibilities as specified in such statement. (6) Any change, addition or alteration in the names or other particulars of the aforesaid statement referred to in subregulation (3) shall be reported in writing to the Chief Inspector and Regional Inspector within seven days from the date of such change, addition or alteration. 9. Notice of dangerous occurrence or accident.(1)(a) When there occurs a readily identifiable event such as a dangerous occurrence with potential to cause an injury or disease to persons at work or to the public around the workplace, or an accident in or about a mine such as(i) an accident causing loss of life or serious bodily injury in connection with mining operations; (ii) an explosion or ignition; (iii) an outbreak of fire, or appearance of smoke or other indication of heating or outbreak of fire; (iv) fire in any part of working or in any machinery; (v) fall from height of any excavation, loading or transport machinery; (vi) bursting of equipment under pressure; (vii) an influx of inflammable or noxious gases; (viii) an eruption or inrush of water or other liquid matter; (ix) a rock-burst in working below ground; (x) a premature collapse of any part of the working; (xi) any accident due to explosives; (xii) a breakage or fracture of rope, chain, headgear, pulley or axle or bearing thereof, or other gear by which persons or materials are lowered or raised in a shaft or an incline; (xiii) an over winding of cages or other means of conveyance while men or materials are being lowered or raised; (xiv) a breakage or fracture of any essential part of winding engine, crankshaft, coupling, bearing, gear, clutch, drum or drum shaft, or failure of emergency brake; (xv) a bursting of any equipment containing steam, compressed air or other substance at high pressure; (xvi) a breakage, fracture or failure of any essential part of any machine or apparatus whereby the safety of persons may be endangered; (xvii) any major slide causing injury to any persons, damage to any machinery, or interruption of normal mining operations; or (xviii) failure of dump or side in opencast working. the owner, agent or manager shall forthwith inform the Regional Inspector about the occurrence by telephone, express telegram, fax, e-mails or by special messenger; and shall also, within twenty four hours of every such occurrence, give notice thereof in Form IV-A to the District Magistrate, the Chief Inspector and the Regional Inspector and in the case of an accident mentioned in sub-clause (i) also to the Labour Welfare Commissioner and shall exhibit a copy of the notice on a special notice Boardoutside the office of the mine for a period of not less than fourteen days from the date of such exhibition: Provided that in case of such notice is sent by e-mails, it shall be immediately followed by fax or letter. (b) When an accident causing loss of life or serious bodily injury occurs in or about a mine in connection with the generation, storage, transformation, transmission, supply or use of electrical energy, the owner, agent or manager shall also forthwith inform the Electrical Inspector of Mines by telephone, express telegram or special messenger. (2) Where death results from any injury already reported as serious under sub-regulation (1) or where any injury other than the serious injury become serious, the owner, agent or manager shall within twenty four hours of his being informed of the same, give notice thereof to the District Magistrate, the Chief Inspector, the Regional Inspector and the Labour Welfare Commissioner. (3) In respect of every person killed or injured, the owner, agent or manager shall send to the Chief Inspector, particulars in Form IV-B and Form IV-C of the First Schedule, within seven days of occurrence of injury or death, within fifteen days of the injured person returning to duty, as the case may be. 10. Notice of disease: Where any person employed in a mine contracts any disease notified by the Central Government in the Official Gazette under section 25 of the Act, the owner, agent or manager shall, within three days of his being informed of the disease, give notice thereof in form V to the District Magistrate, the Chief Inspector, the Regional Inspector and Inspector of Mines (Medical).

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Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012

CHAPTER III EXAMINATION AND CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY AND OF FITNESS

11. (1) (2) (a) (b) (c) (d) Board of Mining Examination.For the purposes of these regulations, there shall be constituted a Board of Mining Examinations, (hereinafter referred to as the Board). The Board shall consist of the Chief Inspector, who shall be its Chairman (ex-officio), and five members possessing at least degree in mining engineering or its equivalent from a recognised Board or University; and first class managers certificate granted under regulation 12; or having practical experience in metalliferous mines; or serving in an institution imparting education in mining engineering at the degree or equivalent level; or engaged in mining research or planning, Provided that the Board shall be so constituted that it shall include at least three members possessing qualifications laid down in clause (a) and (b) and at least one member possessing qualifications laid down either in clause (c) or in clause (d). (3) Every member (other than the Chairman) of the Board shall hold office for a period of three years, or until his successor is appointed and takes charge, whichever is later: Provided that(i) a member may at any time resign his office by notice in writing addressed to the Chairman; (ii) a member appointed under clause (c) of sub-regulation (2) shall cease to hold office upon his ceasing to serve in any such institution, as is referred to in that clause; (iii) a person appointed to fill a vacancy caused by reason of the death, resignation, or otherwise, shall hold office for the remaining period for which such member would have, but for such reason, continued as member. A person who holds, or who has held, office as member of the Board shall, subject to the other provisions of this regulation, be eligible for reappointment to that office. A member of the Board(other than the Chairman) shall receive such remunerations as the Central Government may fix in this behalf. An Inspector nominated in this behalf by the Chief Inspector shall act as Secretary to the Board (hereinafter referred to in this regulation as the Secretary). Notwithstanding anything contained in this regulation, the Central Government may, if satisfied that it is necessary so to do in the public interest, reconstitute the Board even though the term of office of all or any of the members thereof has not come to an end.

to be appointed by the Central Government:

(4) (5) (6) (7)

(8)

Meetings of the Boards hall be held as and when the Chairman considers them necessary, and unless otherwise decided by the Chairman, all meetings of the Board shall be held at Dhanbad. (9)(a) For every meeting of the Board, not less than ten clear days prior notice intimating the time and place of the proposed meeting and signed by the Chairman or the Secretary shall be given to each member who is not absent from India. (b) The notice referred to in clause (a) shall be delivered at, or posted to the usual place of residence of the member, and each such notice shall be accompanied by a list of items of business to be disposed of at that meeting. Notwithstanding anything contained in clauses (a) and (b), in cases of urgency, an emergent meeting may be called for by Chairman at any time, by intimating the members, only two days in advance, of the time and date of such meeting and the subject matter for discussion at such meeting. The Chairman shall preside at every meeting of the Board. If the Chairman is absent for any reason, the members present shall elect one from among themselves to preside over the meeting, and the member so elected shall, for the purposes of that meeting, have all powers of the Chairman.

(c)

(10)(a) (b)

(11)

No business shall be transacted at a meeting of the Board unless at least three members, including the Chairman, are present: Provided that if at any meeting there is no quorum as aforesaid, the meeting shall automatically stand adjourned to a date which is seven days later or if that day is a public holiday to the next working day and the time, place and agenda for the adjourned meeting shall remain unchanged and it shall thereupon be lawful to dispose of the business at such meeting irrespective of the number of members attending. All matters which the Board is required to consider shall be considered at its meeting, or, if the Chairman so decides, by circulation of the papers, to every member who is not absent from India. When any matter is referred to by circulation as aforesaid, a member may request that it should be considered at a meeting of the Board and the Chairman may direct that it shall be so considered but when two or more members so request, the Chairman shall direct that it shall be so considered at a meeting to be held. The Secretary shall place, before the Board a list of business to be transacted at the meeting.

(12)(a) (b)

(13)(a)

(b) No business which is not included in such list shall be considered unless the Chairman permits. (14)(a) Every matter at a meeting shall be decided by the majority of votes of the members present at such meeting.

Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012

Every matter referred to the members by circulation under sub-regulation (12) shall be decided by the majority opinion of the members to whom the papers were circulated, unless the Chairman reserves it for consideration at a regular meeting to be held later. (c) In case of a tie, Chairman shall have a casting vote. (15)(a) The Secretary shall record the minutes of each meeting in a bound-paged book kept for the purpose and copies of such minutes of the meeting shall be circulated to all members present in India. (b) The minutes so recorded shall be confirmed at the next meeting of the Board and signed by the Chairman in token thereof. (16)(a) The Chairman in addition to any other powers and duties conferred upon him under these regulations shall(i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (b) (c) 12. (1) present all important papers and matters to the Board as early as possible; issue orders for carrying out the decisions of the Board; have power to refer, in his discretion, any matter to the Central Government for their orders; and have powers generally to take such action or pass such orders necessary to implement the decisions of the Board.

(b)

The Chairman may, during his temporary absence by reason of leave or otherwise, authorise any member of the Board to perform all or any of the duties of the Chairman during such absence. Unless the Chairman otherwise directs, all proceedings of the Board shall be conducted in camera and be regarded as confidential.

Certificates granted by the Board.Certificates under these regulations shall be granted by the Board.

(2) Certificates granted by the Board shall be valid throughout the territories to which these regulations extend, and shall be of the following kinds: Managers first class certificate of competency to manage a metalliferous mine (in these regulations referred to as a First Class Managers Certificate); (b) Managers second class certificate of competency to manage a Metalliferous mine (in these regulations referred to as a Second Class Managers Certificate); (c) Surveyors certificate of competency to survey the working of a Metalliferous mine (in these regulations referred to as a Surveyors Certificate); (d) Mine Foremans certificate of competency to carry out inspections and duties as required under these regulations (in these regulations referred to as an Mine Foremans Certificate); (e) Mining Mates certificate of competency to carry out inspection and duties as required under these regulations (in these regulations referred to as a Mining Mates Certificate); (f) Winding Enginemans certificate (in these regulations referred to as Engine-Drivers certificate) to drive a winding engine of any type or class; (g) Blaster certificate of competency to fire shots in a metallif erous mines ( in these regulations referred to as a Blaster certificate); and (h) Certificate of competency to test for the presence of inflammable gas (in these regulations referred to as a Gas-testing Certificate): Provided that any of the certificate aforesaid, other than Engine Driver s Certificate and Gas-testing certificate may be restricted to mines having opencast working only, and this fact shall be endorsed on the certificate. (a) 13. (1) Examinations and Examiners.Certificates shall be granted to candidates after such examination and in such form as the Board may specify:

Provided that the Board may, subject to the conditions specified in the bye-laws exempt any person from appearing at the examination or part thereof for the want of a certificate referred to in regulation 12. (2) The examination shall be held at such times and at such centers as may be fixed by the Board, and shall be conducted by examiners appointed by the Board. (3) The examiners so appointed shall be subject to the orders of the Board in respect of all matters relating to the conduct of the examinations, and shall receive such remuneration as the Board, with the sanction of the Central Government, may fix. (4) The Board may specify the procedure for and the conduct of the examinations and to the granting of certificates of competency and of fitness as required under these regulations, and shall, so far as may be practicable, provide that the standard of knowledge required for the grant of certificates of any particular class and the standard of medical fitness shall be uniform throughout the territories to which these regulations extend. 14. Submission of applications.(1) Applications for an examination conducted by the Board shall be made to the Board not less than a period of sixty days prior to the date fixed for the examination and on a form specified for the purpose. (2) Notice regarding the date and place of the examinations for the Managers, Surveyors and Mine Foremans certificates shall be published under the order of Board, in such periodicals as the Board may direct, not less than sixty days prior to the date fixed by the Board for receiving applications. (3) The certificate of experience etc. required for appearing in the examinations under these regulations shall be in the form specified by the Board. 15. Age and general qualifications of candidates.-

(1) No persons shall be admitted as a candidate at any examination held by the Board unless he is twenty years of age. (2) No persons shall be admitted as a candidate at any examination for a Managers, Surveyors, Mine Foremans, Mining Mates or Blasters Certificate unless he holds a valid first -aid certificate of the standard of the St. John Ambulance Association (India).

Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012

(3)

Every application for any examination as aforesaid shall be accompanied by(i) a certificate of age verified by a Gazetted Officer of the Government or by the headmaster of a recognised school of a Higher Secondary or equivalent standard: Provided that in the case of a person holding a matriculation or equivalent certificate, such certificate shall be submitted as evidence of age; (ii) a medical certificate obtained not more than one year prior to the date of his application, from a qualified medical practitioner not below the rank of a Civil Assistant Surgeon or from a Certifying Surgeon, certifying the candidate to be free from deafness, defective vision or any other infirmity, mental or physical, likely to interfere with the efficiency of his work; and a certificate from some person of good repute as to the general good conduct and sobriety of the candidate.

(iii) (4)

No person shall be admitted as a candidate to any examination for (i) Managers, Surveyors, Mine Foremans or Mining Mates certificate, unless he has passed th e Senior Secondary School Examination or Intermediate Examination or its equivalent from a recognised Board or University or passed a Diploma or Degree in Engineering or other equivalent qualifications approved in that behalf by the Central Government; and An Engine Drivers certificate unless he has passed the Secon dary School Examination recognised by Board or its equivalent.

(ii)

(5) No person shall be admitted as a candidate at an examination for a Managers or Mine Foremans Certificate, which i s not restricted to mines having opencast working only, unless he has obtained a Mining Mates Certificate not so restricted and a Gas testing Certificate, and no person shall be admitted as a candidate at an examination for Managers or Mine Foremans Certificate restricted to mines having opencast working only unless he has obtained a Mining Mates Certificate: Provided that this clause shall not apply(I) (II) 16. to a candidate for a Managers Certificate, if he already holds a Mine Foremans Certificate granted under regulation 12; and to candidate for a Managers First Class Certificate if he already holds a Managers Second Class Certificate granted under regulation 12. Practical experience of candidates for Managers examinations.-

(1) No person shall be admitted as a candidate at any examination for First or Second Class Managers Certificate other than Exchange Certificate under regulation 22, unless the Board is satisfied that he has had practical experience in metalliferous mine for a period of not less than six and five years respectively: Provided that a candidate(a) who has received a diploma in mining engineering or other equivalent qualification approved in that behalf by the Central Government, such period shall be reduced to five and four years respectively, and (b) who has passed a degree in mining engineering or other equivalent qualification approved in that behalf by the Central Government,(i) such period of experience shall be reduced to two years for First Class Managers Certificate; and (ii) shall be exempted from appearing at the Second Class Managers examination after acquiring one year of practical experience and a Gas Testing Certificate. Explanation. - The experience referred to in this sub-regulation shall be the experience obtained after acquiring the relevant academic qualification. (2) The nature of the practical experience required of a candidate for Managers Certificate shall be of the following capacities in a metalliferous mine having an average employment of not less than sixty in working belowground or not less than one hundred in all in the mine (or in such other mines) as the Board may approve in this behalf:. (a) (b) as a workman, or mining apprentice having direct practical experience of getting ore and of drifting, shaft sinking development, stoping, supporting and blasting; or as an official in respect of mining operations:

Provided that out of the total period of experience required under sub-regulation (1), three fourth of the experience shall be of belowground mines in respect of certificates not restricted to mines having opencast working only: Provided further that the Board may approve a part of the period of the experience gained while engaged in inspections, rescue, research, planning, teaching or any other work, connected with mining operations, so however that, the aforesaid period shall not, inclusive of the period of experience in a mine other than a metal mine approved under sub-regulation (2) of regulation 18, shall not exceed one fourth of the total experience required for the purpose. 17. Practical experience of candidates for Surveyors examinations.(1) No person shall be admitted as candidate at any examination for a Surveyors Certificate unless he has satis fied the Board that he has had not less than two years practical experience of surveying of a type approved by the Board: Provided that in case of a certificate which is not restricted to mines having opencast working, the said experience shall include practical experience for a period of not less than one year of surveying the working of a belowground mine having an average monthly output of not less than 60 tone in working belowground or such other mines as the Board may approve in this behalf. (2) In case of a candidate having diploma in mining or mine surveying or degree in civil engineering such practical experience shall be reduced to one year and he shall be exempted from appearing at the said examination.

Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012

(3) In case of a candidate having degree in mining engineering or other equivalent qualification approved in that behalf by the Central Government, such period shall be reduced to six months and he shall be exempted from appearing at the said examination: Provided that out of total period of experience required under sub-regulations (2) and (3), at least three fourth of the experience shall be of belowground metal mines, in respect of certificate not restricted to mines having opencast working only. 18. Practical experience of candidates for Mining Mates and Blasters examinations.(1) No person shall be admitted as a candidate at any examination for a Mining Mates Certificate unless the Board is satisfied that he has had practical experience and training in a Metalliferous mine for a period of not less than three years: Provided that in the case of a candidate who has received a diploma or certificate in scientific and mining training after a course of at least two years at an educational institution approved in that behalf by the Central Government or who has taken a degree in scientific and mining subject at a university approved in that behalf by the Central Government, the period of practical experience required shall be one year. (2) The nature of the practical experience required under this regulation shall be as specified by the Board and notwithstanding anything contained in sub-regulation (1), the Board may for the purpose approve a part of the period of practical experience, which has been obtained in a mine other than a metalliferous mine up to a period not exceeding one year. (3) No person shall be admitted as a candidate at any examination for a Blasters Certificate unless the Board is satisfied that he has had practical experience and training in a metalliferous mine for a period of not less than two years, of which not less than six months shall be experience and training in connection with shot-firing: Provided that the said period shall be reduced(I) to one year (including not less than four months in shot-firing) in the case of a candidate who has received a diploma or certificate in mining subjects or other equivalent qualification after a course of at least two years duration approved in that behalf by the Central Government or who has received a degree in applied geology or in civil, mechanical or electrical engineering or other equivalent qualification approved in that behalf by the Central Government; and to six months (including not less than two months in shot-firing) in the case of a candidate who has received a diploma or degree in mining or mining engineering or other equivalent qualification approved in that behalf by the Central Government.

(II)

(4) The nature of practical experience required of candidates for the aforesaid examinations shall be experience of such a type as may be specified by the Board. 19. Practical experience of candidates for Engine Drivers Certificates.- No persons shall be admitted as a candidate at any examination for an Engine Drivers Certificate unless the Board is satisfied that he has had practical experience of driving a winding engine or as an assistant to a qualified winding engine driver for a period of at least one year. 20. Number of attempts at examination.- No person shall be admitted for examination for a particular certificate beyond seven attempts from the date of coming in to force of these regulations. 21. (1) (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) Fees for grant of Certificates.Fees on the following scale shall be paid in respect of every application for the grant of a certificate: Rs. in the case of a First class Managers Certificate 1000 in the case of a Second class Managers Certificate 750 in the case of a Surveyors Certificate 500 in the case of an Foremans Certificate 500 in the case of a Mates Certificate 300 in the case of a Blasters Certificate 200 in the case of a Winding Engine Drivers Certificate 200 in the case of Gas- testing Certificate 200

(2) The fee once paid shall not be refundable except where the candidate has died before the examination or where fee has been erroneously paid. 22. Exchange Certificates.(1) The Board may grant to any person, holding a Managers, Surveyors, Engine drivers, Foremans, Mates or Blasters Certificate granted under any law for the regulation of mines in force in any other country or under the Coal Mines Regulations made under this Act, a corresponding certificate of a similar class under these regulations, if he possesses such qualification, experience and passes such examination as the Board may stipulate: Provided that the Board may, subject to such conditions as it may specify, exempt any person from appearing at the examination or part thereof for the grant of an Exchange Certificate. (2) Every application for the grant of an Exchange Certificate under sub-regulation (1) shall be accompanied by(i) a medical certificate obtained not more than six months prior to the date of his application, from a qualified medical practitioner not below the rank of a Civil Assistant Surgeon or from a Certifying Surgeon certifying the candidate to be free from deafness, defective vision or any other infirmity, mental or physical, likely to interfere with the efficient discharge of his duties; and (ii) a certificate from some person of good repute as to the general good conduct and sobriety of the candidate: Provided that in the case of a Managers Certificate, the candidate shall possess practical training in India in the mines for a period of not less than six months in such manner as may be specified by the Board or not les than six months practical experience of the nature specified in a metal mine in India.. (3) Fees on the scale specified in regulation 21 shall be paid in respect of every examination under this regulation.

Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012

23. Duplicate Certificate.- If any person proves to the satisfaction of the Board that he has, without any fault on his part, lost or been deprived of a certificate granted to him under these regulations, the Board may, upon realisation of the following fees, and subject to such terms and conditions as it thinks fit, and upon realisation of the following fees:(1) (2) in the case of Managers or Surveyors Certificate in the case of any other Certificate Rs.1000.00 Rs.400.00,

and the word DUPLICATE shall be stamped across every such copy. 24. Certificates to be delivered to the manager.- The holder of a Foremans, Mates, Engine Drivers, Blasters or Gastesting Certificate shall require to deliver such certificate to the manager of the mine in which he is for the time being employed in the capacity where require the possession of the said certificate, and the manager shall deliver to such person a receipt for the same; and shall retain the certificate in the office at the mine so long as the holder thereof is so employed, and shall return it to the holder on his ceasing to be so employed. 25. Suspension or cancellation of Managers, Surveyors, Foremans, Mates, Engine-drivers, Blasters or Gas testing Certificates.(1) If the Regional Inspector is of the opinion that the holder of a Managers, Surveyors, Foremans, Mates, Engine -drivers, Blasters or Gas-testing Certificate is incompetent or is guilty of negligence or misconduct in the performance of his duties under the Act or under these regulations, he shall bring the matter to the notice of the Examination Board. (2) The Board may, on the report of the Regional Inspector under sub-regulation (1), authorise an Inspector, not being and not below the rank of the Inspector whose report formed the basis of the said opinion, to hold an enquiry to determine whether or not such a person (hereinafter referred to as the delinquent) is fit to continue to hold such certificate: Provided that the Boards hall, before the beginning of the enquiry, furnish to the delinquent a statement of the case on which the enquiry is instituted. (3) During the enquiry, the Inspector authorised to conduct the enquiry, shall be provided with all relevant documents and he shall record: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) the evidence of any witness that formed the basis of the said opinion; any evidence that the delinquent may like to give; the evidence of any witness that the delinquent may like to produce; the evidence of Manager of the mine; and any other evidence that may be considered necessary or relevant by the Inspector conducting the enquiry.

(4) Unless the delinquent fails to be present in spite of sufficient notice, the evidence aforesaid shall be recorded in the presence of the delinquent and he shall be given a reasonable opportunity to cross-examine the witness (other than those produced by him). (5) The Inspector conducting the enquiry also may cross-examine the delinquent and the witnesses.

(6) The Inspector who conducted the enquiry shall, within fifteen days from the date of conclusion of his enquiry, send a report to the Board together with his findings, the notes of evidence recorded during the enquiry and other relevant records. (7) Copies of the notes of evidence and the findings of the Inspector who conducted the enquiry shall also be sent to the delinquent who may submit his written representation to the Board within thirty days from the date of dispatch of such copies. (8) The Board may, after considering the evidence and other records and the written representation, if any, submitted by the delinquent, either cause further enquiry to be made in the case and thereupon, or otherwise, either exonerate the delinquent of the charges against him or suspend or cancel the certificate, as it deems fit. (9) Against any order of the Board under this regulation, an appeal shall lie before Central Government within a period of thirty days of the order. (9) Where a certificate is suspended or cancelled under this regulation, suitable endorsement may be made on such certificate or a duplicate thereof issued under regulation 23

26. Validity of Foremans, Mates, Engine Drivers, Blasters and Gas testing Certificates.(1) No Foremans, Mates, Engine Drivers, Blasters and Gas testing certificate shall remain valid for a period of more than five years unless the certificate bears an endorsement by the Regional Inspector to the effect that the holder has within the preceding five years, been examined and certified by a qualified medical practitioner appointed by the Chief Inspector to be free from deafness, defective vision or any other infirmity , mental or physical likely to interfere with the efficient discharge of his duties. (2) An application for endorsement on a certificate in respect of the medical examination undertaken sub-regulation (1), shall be made to the Chief Inspector, accompanied by a fee of fifteen rupees. (3) A medical examination undergone in accordance with rule 29B of the Mines Rules 1955 shall also be deemed to be an examination for the purpose of sub regulation (1). (4) An application for endorsement on a certificate by the Regional inspector in respect of medical examination undertaken under sub-regulation (3) shall be accompanied by the certificate of fitness granted under that sub-regulation along with a fee of five rupees. 27. Retirement age for managers and officials, etc.(1) No person shall act as a manager or an official or a winding engine driver in a mine after attaining the age of sixty years unless he has obtained, within the preceding one year, a medical certificate of fitness certifying him fit to carry out the duties prescribed for him in the Act and in these regulations and orders made thereunder:

Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012

Provided that if the Chief Inspector or the Regional Inspector is of the opinion that a person as aforesaid, though less than sixty years of age, is medically unfit to carry on the duties prescribed for him in the Act and in the regulations, and orders made thereunder, the Chief Inspector or the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing, require such persons to obtain a medical certificate of fitness within such period, not exceeding three months, as he may specify therein; and no such persons shall continue to act in any capacity as aforesaid after the period so specified unless he has obtained a medical certificate of fitness. (2) The medical certificate of fitness as aforesaid shall be obtained from such authority and in such manner as the Board may specify. (3) Without prejudice to the requirement to the sub-regulation (1), no persons shall act as manager or an official after attaining the age of 65 years. * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012

CHAPTER IV INSPECTORS AND MINE OFFICIALS

28. Qualifications of Inspectors.No person shall be appointed as Chief Inspector unless he holds a degree in mining engineering of an educational institution approved by the Central Government and also a First Class Managers Certificate granted under regulation 12. (2) No person shall be appointed as an Inspector unless he holds a degree in mining engineering of an educational institution approved by the Central Government and also a First Class Managers Certificate granted under regulation 12: Provided that (I) in relation to electrical machinery installed in mines, a person holding a degree in electrical engineering of an educational institution approved by the Central Government may be so appointed; (II) in relation to other machinery or mechanical appliances installed in mines, a person holding a degree in mechanical engineering of an educational institution approved by the Central Government may be so appointed; and (III) in relation to the provisions of the Act, rules and of the regulations which relate to matters concerning the health and welfare of persons, a person holding an MBBS degree and diploma in occupational health and hygiene, social science or labour welfare, as the case may be, of an educational institution approved by the Central Government or a person holding such other qualifications as the Central Government may approve in this behalf, may be so appointed. 29. Right of the workers representative to inspect the register maintained under the Mines Rules, 1955. The register maintained in Form B under the Mines Rules, 1955 shall be available for inspection to a workers representative authorised by the persons employed in the mine on an application made by him in this behalf. 30. Qualifications and appointment of manager.(1) No mine shall be opened, worked or reopened unless there is a manager of the mine, being a person duly appointed and having such qualifications as are required by these regulations. (2) No person shall act or be employed as a manager unless he has attained 23 years of age and is paid by, and is directly answerable to the owner or agent of the mine. (3) Except as hereinafter provided in sub-regulation (7), and subject to the provisions of sub-regulation (4), no person shall act or continue to act, or be appointed, as manager of a mine or mines the average employment of which corresponds to the figures given in column (i) of the table below unless he holds the corresponding qualifications given in column (ii) thereof: TABLE (a) (i) In excess of 150 tonnes in working belowground or of 400 tonnes in all the mine In excess of 75 tonnes but not exceeding 150 tonnes in working below ground, or in excess of 150 tonnes but not exceeding 400 tonnes in all in the mine. In any other case (ii) A First Class Managers Certificate. A First or Second Class Managers Certificate. A First or Second Class Managers Certificate: (c) (1)

(b)

Provided that no person shall act or continue to act, or be appointed, as manager of a mine or mines where work is being carried on by a system of deep-hole blasting with the help of heavy machinery for the digging, excavation and removal, etc., of earth, stone, mineral or other material unless he holds a First or Second class managers certificate: Provided further that where special conditions exist, the Chief Inspector may, by an order in writing, direct that in the case of any such mine as is referred to in clause (b) of the table, the manager thereof shall be the holder of a First Class Managers Certificate, and that in the case of any such mine as is referred to in clause (c) of the table, the manager thereo f shall be holder of a First or Second Class Managers Certificate. (4) Where under the provisions of sub-regulation (3) a person holding a First or Second Class Managers Certificate has been appointed as manager, a person holding lower qualifications shall not, except with the previous permission in writing of the Chief Inspector and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, be so appointed during the succeeding twelve months, notwithstanding any reduction in the average employment of the mine. (5) No person shall act, or be appointed, as manager of more than one mine except with the previous permission in writing of the Regional Inspector and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein: Provided that no such permission shall have effect for a period exceeding twelve months, unless renewed: Provided further that the Regional Inspector may at any time, by an order in writing, vary or revoke any such permission in the circumstances under which the permission was granted, have altered or the Regional Inspector finds that the manager has not been able to exercise effective supervision in the mines under his charge. (6) The Regional Inspector may, on an application made in this behalf, by an order in writing, and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, authorise any person holding a Formans Certificate whom he considers competent, to act as manager of any specified mine the average employment of which does not exceed 75 in working below ground or 150 in all in the mine for a specified period not exceeding twelve months; and may by a like order, revoke any such authority at any time. (7) The Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing, and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, authorise any person whom he considers competent to be appointed or act as manager of any mine or mines for a specified period, notwithstanding that such person does not possess the qualifications prescribed in that behalf by sub-regulation (3); and may by a like order revoke any such authority at any time. (8) Where by reason of absence or for any other reason, the manager is unable to exercise daily personal supervision or is unable to perform his duties under the Act or these regulations, or orders made thereunder, the owner, agent or manager shall authorise in writing a person whom he considers competent to act as manager of the mine:

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Provided that such person holds a Managers or Formans Certificate; no such authorisation shall have effect for a period in excess of thirty days, except with the previous consent in writing of the Regional Inspector and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein; (iii) the owner, agent or manager, as the case may be, shall forthwith send by registered post, Speed post or Fax to the Chief Inspector and the Regional Inspector a written notice intimating that such an authorisation has been made, and stating the reason for the authorisation, the qualifications and experience of the person authorised, and the date of the commencement and ending of the authorisation; and (iv) the Chief Inspector or the Regional Inspector may, except in the case of a person possessing the qualifications specified in sub-regulation (3), by an order in writing, revoke any authority so granted. (9) The persons authorised under sub-regulation (8) shall, during the period of such authorisation, have the same responsibilities, discharge the same duties, and be subject to the same liabilities as the manager. (10) No manager shall vacate his office without giving due notice in writing to the owner or agent at least thirty days before the day on which he wishes to vacate his office: (i) (ii) Provided that the owner or agent may permit the manager to vacate his office on giving a shorter notice. (11) No owner or agent shall transfer, discharge or dismiss a manager unless the manager has been relieved by a duly qualified person. (12) Nothing in sub-regulation (8) shall confer on the owner, agent or manager the right to authorise during any period of such notice, any person not duly qualified to manage the mine under sub-regulation (3), to act as the manager except in case of illness or other causes over which the manager has no control, or except with the previous written permission of the Regional Inspector and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein: Provided that the Regional Inspector shall not permit any such authorisation for a period exceeding sixty days from the date on which the mine is worked if the person so appointed to act as a manager does not possess the qualifications specified under sub-regulation (3). (13) The owner or agent shall provide suitable residential accommodation for the manager and the assistant manager within a distance of five kilometers from all mine openings; and every manager, and assistant manager shall reside in the accommodation so provided: Provided that where special difficulties exist which render compliance with these provisions not reasonably practicable, the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, grant exemption from the same. (14) No manager shall be entrusted by the owner or agent with any work, nor shall he himself perform any work, which will necessitate his frequent or prolonged absence from the mine. (15) If any doubt arises as to any matter under regulation (13) or regulation (14), it shall be referred to the Chief Inspector for decision. (16) No manager shall act as agent or under manager or assistant manager or in any other supervisory capacity in another mine, 31. Charge report of manager.- When there is a change of manager of any mine, the outgoing manager shall hand over to the incoming manager, a charge report in form VII, giving general information about the mine, sources of dangers, important safety works under execution requiring attention of manager and other important matters from the point of view of safety required to be attended by the incoming manager and the charge report shall be signed by both the outgoing and incoming managers and a copy of the charge report duly signed shall be sent to the Regional Inspector of the mine forthwith. 32. Qualifications and appointment of safety officer.- In every belowground mine the average monthly output of which exceeds 5,000 tonnes or in every opencast mine the average monthly material handled of which exceeds 20,000 m, the manager shall be assisted in the work of promoting safe practices in the mine by a safety officer who shall be a person holding the following qualifications:(i) in the case of a belowground mine having an average monthly output in excess of 15,000 tonnes, or in case of a mine having opencast working with an average monthly material handled in excess of 50,000 m, a First Class Managers Certificate; (ii) in case of a belowground mine having an average monthly output in excess of 10,000 tonnes, but not exceeding 15,000 tonnes or in case of a mine with opencast working having an average monthly material handled in excess of 20,000 m but not exceeding 50,000 m, a First or Second Class Managers Certificate; (iii) in the case of a belowground mine having an average, monthly output in excess of 5,000 tonnes but not exceeding 10,000 tonnes, holder of a First or Second Class Managers Certificate or a degree or diploma in Mining or Mini ng Engineering approved by the Central Government: Provided that where special conditions exist, the Chief Inspector may by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, permit or require the appointment of a Safety Officer in variation of these provisions: Provided further that where the Chief Inspector is of the opinion that, due to the large size of a mine, or due to other conditions existing at a mine, it is not possible for the safety officer to attend to his duties by himself, he may, by an order in writing and for reasons to be recorded therein, require the appointment of such number of persons holding such qualifications as he may specify in the order, to assist the safety officer. 33. Appointment of assistant manager.(1) In every mine having belowground working, the average monthly employment of which exceeds 450 and 1200 in all, the manager shall be assisted by assistant managers on the following scale specified in the table given below:-

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Table Average employment Upto 600 working belowground or 1,600 in all in the mine. In excess of 600 working belowground, or 1,600 in all in the mine Number of assistant managers or under managers One. One additional assistant manager and for every 300 additional persons employed belowground or 800 in all in the mine or part thereof:

Provided that in a mine where the average employment exceeds 1200 in working belowground or 3,200 in all in the mine, at least one of the assistant managers as aforesaid shall hold a First Class Managers Certificate. (2) In every mine having opencast working, the manager shall be assisted by at least one assistant manager in each working shift on the following scale specified in the table given below:Table Average monthly material handled More than 1.5 lakh m3 and less than 7.5 lakh m3 Above 7.5 lakhs m3 Number of assistant managers One assistant manager for every 50,000 m3 and at least one Assistant Manager shall be holding First Class Certificate in each shift. One assistant manager for every 1,00,000 m3 of material handled and at least one assistant manager shall be holding First Class Certificate in each shift.

(3) The Chief Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, permit or require the appointment of assistant managers in variation with these provisions. 34. Qualifications and appointment of ventilation officer.- In every below ground mine, the average monthly output of which exceeds 5,000 tonnes, the manager shall be assisted in the work of supervising the maintenance of the ventilation system of the mine in accordance with the provisions of these regulations by a ventilation officer who shall be a person holding a Managers Certificate or a Degree, Diploma or Certificate in Mining or Mining Engineering approved by Central Government: Provided that, where special conditions exist, the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, permit or require the appointment of a ventilation officer in variance of these provisions or require the appointment of such number of persons to assist the ventilation officer, as may be specified in the order: Provided further that, considering the nature and extent of working therein, the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, permit to combine the post of ventilation officer with that of safety officer appointed under regulation 32. Explanation - For the purposes of this regulation, the expression average output means the average per month of the total output during the preceding financial year from the belowground working. 35. Appointment of engineer.(1) At every mine where machinery is used, an engineer, holding a degree or diploma in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mining machinery or equivalent qualification shall be appointed to hold general charge of such machinery, and to be responsible for its installation, maintenance and safe working: Provided that where electrical energy at medium voltage and above is used and the installed capacity of all electrical equipment is 5 mega watts and above, an engineer holding a degree in electrical engineering or equivalent qualification shall be appointed to hold charge of all the electrical equipment installed at the mine in addition to that specified above: Provided further that nothing in this sub-regulation shall be deemed to prohibit the employment of two or more engineers at one mine so long as the jurisdiction and sphere of responsibility of every such engineer is defined by the manager in writing. (2) A notice of every appointment under sub-regulation (1), giving the name and full particulars of the qualifications and experience of the person so appointed, shall be sent to the Regional Inspector within seven days of such appointment. (3) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-regulation (1), the Chief Inspector may, by/, order in writing, specify any qualification in addition to those referred to in that sub-regulation in respect of a mine or class of mines, if having regard to the conditions existing in such mine or class of mines, he is satisfied that it is necessary to do so in the interests of safety. (4) No person shall undertake the duties of an engineer of more than one mine without the previous permission in writing of the Regional Inspector and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein: Provided that the Regional Inspector may at any time, by an order in writing, vary or revoke such permission. (5) Where by reason of temporary absence by any cause, the engineer, appointed under sub-regulation (1) is unable to perform his duties, the manager shall authorise in writing a person whom he considers competent to act in his place: Provided that (I) a notice of every such authorisation shall be sent to the Regional Inspector forthwith; (II) no such authorisation shall have effect for a period in excess of thirty days except with the previous written consent of the Regional Inspector and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein; and (III) the Regional Inspector may by an order in writing, revoke any authority so granted. 36. Appointment and qualifications of senior officials.(1) At every mine, one or more mine foreman shall be appointed to hold charge of the different districts of the mine on each working shift unless otherwise specified by the Regional Inspector. (2) The district assigned to a mine foreman under sub-regulation (1) shall not be of such a size, nor shall any additional duties other than his duties under these regulations be such, as are likely to prevent him from carrying out in a thorough manner, the duties prescribed for him under these regulations. (3) For the purposes of this regulation, every person employed under sub-regulation (1) as an official subordinate to the manager and or to an assistant manager and superior to the mining mate shall hold either a managers Certificate or a mine foremans Certificate.

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37. Appointment of surveyor.(1) At every mine, one or more persons holding a surveyors certificate shall be appointed to be the surveyor for carrying out the surveys and leveling and for preparing the plans and sections required under the Act or the regulations, or orders made thereunder. (2) No person shall be appointed as a surveyor of more than one mine or in any other capacity in the same mine, without the previous permission in writing of the Regional Inspector and subject to such conditions as may be specified therein. (3)(a) The number of surveyors required to be appointed shall be on the following scale, specified in the table given below, namely:Table Average monthly output in tones No. of Surveyors For belowground mines 8,000 tonnes and below Above 8,000 tonnes For opencast mines The average monthly material handled in m3 50,000 m upto 9.00 lakhs m
3 3

One One for every additional 15,000 tonnes or part thereof: No. of Surveyors One for every 3.0 lakhs m3

Above 9.0 lakhs m3 One for every 5.00 lakhs m3 (b) Notwithstanding anything contained in this regulation, the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, permit or require the appointment of surveyors in variation of these provisions depending upon the conditions prevailing in the mines. (4) If a mine has more than one surveyor, each shall carry the duties and the responsibilities of the surveyor for the part or section of the mine to be assigned in writing by the owner, agent or manager: Provided that the owner, agent or manager shall appoint one of the surveyors to be responsible for the preparation and maintenance of the plans required to be prepared and maintained under these regulations, who shall also be responsible for co-ordination and overall supervision of survey work in the mine. 38. Appointment of officials and competent persons.(1)(a) The owner, agent or manager shall appoint such number of competent persons, including officials and technicians as is sufficient to secure, during each of the working shifts (i) adequate inspection of the mine and the equipment thereof; (ii) a thorough supervision of all operations in the mine; (iii) the installation, running and maintenance, in safe working order, of all machinery in the mine; and (iv) the enforcement of the requirements of the Act and rules and regulations framed thereunder. (b) Without prejudice to the requirement of clause (a), where the mine is worked on more than one shift, the owner, agent or the manager shall arrange that during the afternoon shift and the night shift, the mine is under the general supervision of at least an assistant manager, if any, and of an experienced mine foreman in other cases. (2) It shall be the responsibility of the manager to see that the persons so appointed are competent to perform the duties assigned to them: Provided that no person shall be so appointed unless he is paid by the owner or agent and is answerable to the manager: Provided further that the Chief Inspector under special circumstances may vary the requirements of this subregulation by an order in writing. (3) Copies of all appointments made under sub-regulation (1) shall be entered in a bound-paged book kept for the purpose where a list of all such competent persons shall also be maintained. (4) Without prejudice to the requirements of sub-regulation (2), every manager on taking over charge of a mine, shall satisfy himself that all persons already appointed under sub-regulation (1) are competent to perform the duties assigned to them; and if he finds them competent, he shall either countersign their authorisations or issue fresh ones. 39. General Management.(1) The owner, agent and manager shall provide for the safety and proper discipline of persons employed in the mine. (2) Except in a case of emergency, no person who is not an official or a competent person shall give, otherwise than through the manager, instructions to a person employed in a mine, who is responsible to the manager.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

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CHAPTER - V DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF CONTRCATORS, MANUFACTURERS, OFFICIALS, COMPETENT PERSONS AND WORKMEN
40. Duties and responsibilities of owner.(1) In taking preventive and protective measures, the owner shall arrange for regular assessment of the risk and dealing with it in the following order of priority:(a) eliminate the risk; (b) control the risk at source; (c) minimize the risk by means that include the design of safe work systems; and (d) in so far as the risk remains, provide for the use of personal protective equipment, having regard to what is reasonable, practicable and feasible, and to good practice and the exercise of due diligence. (2) Owner shall take all necessary measures to eliminate or minimize the risks to safety and health in mines under their control and in particular(a) ensure that the mine is designed, constructed and provided with electrical, mechanical and other equipment, including a communication system, to provide conditions for safe operation and a healthy working environment; (b) ensure that the machine is commissioned, operated, maintained and de-commissioned in such a way that workers can perform the work assigned to them without endangering their safety and health or that of other persons; (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) (j) take steps to maintain the stability of the ground in which persons have access in the context of their work; where practicable, provide, from every underground workplace, two exits each of which is connected to separate means of egress to the surface; ensure the monitoring, assessment and regular inspection of the working environment to identify the various hazards to which the workers may be exposed and to assess their level of exposure; ensure adequate ventilation for all underground working to which access is permitted; in respect of zones susceptible to particular hazards, draw up and implement an operating plan and procedures to ensure a safe system of work and the protection of workers; take measures and precautions appropriate to the nature of a mine operation to prevent, detect and combat the start and spread of fires, explosions and inundations; in case of serious danger to the safety and health of workers, ensure that operations are stopped and workers are evacuated to a safe location; and In case of non-compliance with safety and health regulations or codes of practice by any person, the managers or supervisors shall ensure that corrective actions are taken immediately and where necessary, the problem should be referred to a higher level of management immediately.

(3) The owner shall prepare an emergency response plan specific to each mine for any foreseeable industrial and natural disasters. (4) Where workers are exposed to physical, chemical or biological hazards, the owner shall(a) inform the workers, in a comprehensible manner, of the hazards associated with their work, the health risks involved and relevant preventive and protective measures; (b) take appropriate measures to eliminate or minimize the risks resulting from exposure to those hazards;

(c) where adequate protection against risks of accident or injury to health including exposure to adverse conditions cannot be ensured by other means, provide and maintain at no cost to the worker, suitable protective equipment, clothing as necessary and other facilities as defined by these regulations; and, (d) provide workers who have suffered from an injury or illness at the workplace with first aid, appropriate transportation from the workplace and access to appropriate medical facilities. (5) (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) The owner shall ensure thatadequate training programs and comprehensible instructions are provided for workers free of cost, on safety and health matters as well as on the work assigned; adequate supervision and control are provided in each shift to secure the safe operation of the mine; a system is established so that the names of all persons who are underground can be accurately known at any time, as well as their probable location; all accidents and dangerous occurrences are investigated and appropriate remedial actions are taken; and

a report is made to the Regional Inspector and to the Chief Inspector on accidents and dangerous occurrences. (6) The owner shall ensure regular health surveillance of workers exposed to occupational health hazards specific to mining operations.

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41. General responsibilities of suppliers, manufacturers and designers.- Any person who design, manufacture, import, provide or transfer machinery, equipment or substances for use in mines, shall (a) ensure that the machinery, equipment or substances do not entail dangers for the safety and health of those using them correctly; (b) make available such information(i) Concerning their requirement for the correct installation, maintenance and use of machinery and equipment and the correct storage and use of substances; (ii) Concerning the hazards of machinery and equipment, the dangerous properties of hazardous substances and physical agents or products; (iii) on how to eliminate or control risks arising from the identified hazards associated with the products. 42. Responsibilities of contractors.(1) All contractors deployed in a mine for any work shall(a) establish effective ongoing communication and coordination between appropriate levels of supervisors, officials and senior officials of the mine prior to commencing work, which shall include provisions for identifying hazards and the measures to eliminate and control risks ; (b) ensure arrangements for reporting work related injuries and diseases , ill health and incidents among the contractors workers while performing work for the mine; (c) provide relevant workplace safety and health hazards awareness and training to their workers prior to commencing and as work progresses as necessary; (d) ensure that all provisions of the Act and the rules and regulations framed thereunder. (2) (a) When using contractors, the owner, agent and manager shall ensurethe same safety and training requirements apply to the contractors and their workers as to the workers of the establishment; (b) where required, only such contractors are used that have been duly registered or hold licenses; (c) the contracts specify safety and health requirements as well as sanctions and penalties in case of noncompliance and such contracts shall include the right for mine officials to stop the work whenever a risk of serious injury is apparent and to suspend operations until the necessary remedies have been put in place. Duties of persons employed in mines.-

43.

(1) Every person shall strictly adhere to the provisions of the Act and of the regulations and orders made thereunder, and to any order or direction issued by the manager or an official with a view to the safety or convenience of persons not being inconsistent with the Act and these regulations; nor shall he neglect or refuse to obey such order or directions. (2) No person shall interfere with, impede or obstruct any person in the discharge of his duties, nor shall he offer or render any service, or use any threat, to any other person with a view to preventing him from complying with the provisions of the Act and of the rules, regulations, and orders made thereunder or from performing his duties faithfully. (3) Every person shall, immediately before proceeding to work and immediately after terminating work at the end of his shift, have his name recorded in the register maintained under the Act: Provided that in case of working belowground, he shall get his name recorded every time he proceeds belowground or returns to the surface: Provided further that electronic punching or registry system as approved by the Chief Inspector may also be provided and used for the purpose of identification, marking attendance and recording the name of the person and a hard (printed) copy of such record shall be kept forthwith for the purpose of record in the aforesaid register or in any other format specified by the Chief Inspector. (4) Every person employed in a mine shall(a) take reasonable care for their own safety and health and that of other persons who may be affected by their acts and omissions at work including the proper care and use of protective clothing, facilities and equipments placed at their disposal; (b) report forthwith to their immediate supervisor, any situation which they believe could pose a risk to their safety or health or that of other persons, and which they cannot properly deal with themselves; and (c) co-operate with the employer to permit compliance with the duties and responsibilities placed on the employer. (5) No person shall, except with the authority of an official, remove or pass through any fence, barrier or gate, or remove or pass any danger signal. (6) Subject to any directions that may be given by an official, no person shall, except for some justifiable purpose, go into any part of the mine other than that part in which he works, or travels to or from his working place by any roadway other than the proper traveling roadway. (7) No person shall sleep whilst on duty. (8) Subject to the provisions of the Act and of these regulations and orders made thereunder, no person shall remain in a mine beyond the period over which his shift extends. 44. Duties of competent persons. Every competent person shall be subject to orders of superior officials, and shall not (a) depute another person to perform his work without the sanction of his superior official; absent himself without having previously obtained permission from such official for the term of his absence or without having been relieved by a duly competent person; and (c) without permission from such official, perform during his shift any duties other than those for which he has been appointed. 45. Duties of Officials.(1) Every official shall carry out the duties assigned to him by the manager or assistant manager in accordance with the provisions of the Act and of the regulations and orders made thereunder. (b)

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(2) Every official shall, to the best of his power, see that persons under his charge understand and carry out their respective duties properly. 46. Duties and Responsibilities of manager.(1) (a) In every mine daily personal supervision shall be exercised by the manager: Provided that in case of working belowground, he shall visit and examine the working belowground on at least four days in every week to ensure safety in every respect: Provided further that at least one visit in every fortnight shall be made during the night shift: Provided also that when owing to any unavoidable cause he is unable to carry out the aforesaid duties or inspections, he shall record the reason for the same in the book kept under clause (b). (b) The manager shall maintain, in a bound paged book kept for the purpose, a diary; and shall record therein the result of each of his inspections and also the action taken by him to rectify the defects noticed, if any. (2) The manager shall make arrangements for all mine foremen and other officials to meet him or the assistant manager once in every working day for the purpose of conferring on them matters connected with their duties. (3)(a) The manager shall ensure sufficient supply of proper materials and appliances for ensuring the safety of the mine and the persons employed therein, and if he be not the owner or agent of the mine, shall report in writing to the owner or agent when anything is required for the aforesaid purpose, that is not within the scope of his authority to order, and a copy of every such report shall be recorded in a bound-paged book kept for the purpose. (b) On receipt of a requisition under clause (a), the owner or agent shall promptly arrange to supply the said materials and appliances, and shall within three days of receipt of the requisition, intimate to the manager in writing the action taken to meet the requisition. (4) The manager shall assign to every competent person his particular duties take all possible steps to ensure that every such person understands, carries out and enforces the provisions contained therein in a proper manner. (5) The manager shall provide every mine foremen with a tracing, up to the date of the last survey, showing the working of the district belowground assigned to him and such tracing shall, where any work of reduction or extraction of pillars or blocks of mineral is being carried out, such tracing shall show clearly the reference of the permission and the manner in which such reduction or extraction is to be carried out. (6) The manager shall examine all reports, registers and other records and shall countersign the same with date: Provided that the manager may, by an order in writing, delegate this duty to an assistant manager except in cases where a specific provision is made requiring the manager to countersign a report or register. (7) The manager shall give attention to, and cause to be carefully investigated, any specific representation or complaint that may be made to him in writing by an employee of the mine as to any matter affecting the safety or health of persons in or about the mine. (8) When any accident, resulting in serious bodily injury to any person or loss of life, occurs in a mine, the manager shall inspect the site of accident as soon as possible, and shall also either himself or through an assistant manager or safety officer, have an inquiry made into the cause of and circumstances attending the accident and the result of every such enquiry and a plan and sections and wherever practicable a photograph or photographs of the site of the accident showing details shall be recorded in a bound paged book kept for the purpose and copy thereof shall be furnished to the Chief Inspector and Regional Inspector within fifteen days of the accident. (9) The manager shall perform such other duties as have been prescribed in that behalf under the Act, the regulations, or orders made thereunder. (10) The manager may suspend or take such disciplinary action, as he thinks fit, against any employee for contravention of any of the provisions of the Act, the regulations or orders made thereunder. 47. Duties of safety officer.- (1) The duties of the safety officer shall be(a) to visit surface and underground parts of the mine with a view to meet the workers on the spot, to talk to them on matters of safety and invite suggestions thereon; (b) to take charge of the newly recruited staff and show them around the mine pointing out the safe and unsafe acts during the course of their work in the mine; (c) to maintain detailed statistics of all types of accidents, dangerous occurrences and incidents in the mine including minor accidents; (d) to investigate and to analyse the same with a view to pinpoint the nature and common causes of accidents; (e) to study and apprise the manager of all possible sources of danger such as inundation, fire, dust and others; (f) to hold safety classes and deliver safety talks and lectures to the members of the supervisory staff; (g) to organise safety weeks and other safety education and propaganda in mine; (h) to ensure that all concerned mine employees are fully conversant with various standing orders, codes of practices (such as those relating to stoppage of mine mechanical ventilators and to the occurrence of a fire or other emergency in the mine) and support plan; (i) to provide assistance in the formulation of programme for training at the mine level; including vocational training, training in gas testing, and training in First Aid; (j) to report to the manger any information in the mine of Act, the rules or the regulations made thereunder; (k) to promote safety practices generally and to lend active support to all measures intended for furthering the cause of safety in the mine and ensure reasonable compliance to the recommendations of the Safety Committee and Workmans Inspectors ; and (l) to assist the manager in any other matter relating to safety in the mine. (2) The safety officer shall ensure that an appropriate emergency plan as required under these regulations is put in place and the requirements of the same are strictly implemented. (3) Except in an emergency, no duties other than those specified above shall be assigned to the safety officer.

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(4) The safety officer shall maintain in a bound paged book a detailed record of the work performed by him every day. 48. Duties and responsibilities of assistant manager.(1) The assistant manager shall carry out the duties assigned to him by the manager, and shall see that in the part of the mine assigned to him by the manager, all work is carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Act and of the regulations and orders made thereunder. (2) The assistant manager shall, subject to the orders of the manager, visit and examine the working under his charge, or part thereof, on every working day. (3) The assistant manager shall, from time to time, carefully examine every travelable part of the mine or part thereof placed under his charge, whether frequented by workpersons or not. (4) In the absence of the manager, the assistant manager shall have the same responsibility, discharge the same duties and be subject to the same liabilities as the manager, but not so as to exempt the manager therefrom. (5) The assistant manager shall maintain, in a bound paged book kept for the purpose, a diary; and shall record therein the result of each of his inspections and also the action taken by him to rectify the defects noticed, if any. 49. Duties of ventilation officer.(1) The ventilation officer shall(a) ensure the observance of all regulations and orders concerning ventilation, fire, gas and dust including dust suppression and shall advise the manager, if any alteration is required in the ventilation system to ensure adequacy of ventilation in compliance with the regulations or orders; (b) advise the manager on day to day problems of ventilation, gas and dust; (c) maintain close liaison with the assistant managers and other supervisory staff, and assist them in their day-today ventilation problems; (d) carry out ventilation surveys of the mine and undertake any other special work relating thereto as may be directed by the manager from time to time; (e) take such steps as are necessary to ensure compliance with the ventilation standards required in terms of these regulations or otherwise; (f) check the speed of main mechanical ventilator, amperage drawn by its electric motor, and fan drift water gauge at least once in a day and any unusual change in the water gauge shall be investigated by him and reported to the manager; (g) determine the efficiency of the main mechanical ventilator once at least in every three months and get the fan blades and the fan drift cleaned when necessary; (h) ensure that copies of standing orders in the event of stoppage of the main mechanical ventilator are posted at conspicuous places at the mine, and see that the persons concerned understand the instructions contained therein; (i) ensure the correct sitting and installation of auxiliary and booster fans underground; (j) examine at frequent intervals all ventilation appliances like doors, brattices, air crossings, regulators, stoppings, booster and auxiliary fans, ventilation ducting and other devices of ventilation control in the mine and report any defect in the same to the manager; (k) take necessary steps to stop any leakage in any of the devices and see that the ventilation appliances are maintained in good order; (l) ensure that sufficient quantity of good air is coursed into all working places and reaches all other working belowground and shall(i) ensure that the ventilation stoppings and brattices, etc. are constructed as per specifications and are kept extended sufficiently; (ii) ensure that measurements of air quantity, temperature and humidity are regularly taken as specified and bring up-to-date the entries on the check boards provided at each air measurement station; (iii) determine the Ventilation Efficiency Quotient; (iv) ensure that mine air samples are properly collected at the appointed time and place, and analysed immediately; and (v) make observations for inflammable and any other harmful gases; (m) maintain separate tracing of the ventilation and rescue plans and bring them up-to-date; (n) bring to the notice of surveyor any changes in the ventilation system or ventilation appliances and shall see that all old markings on the ventilation and rescue plans are corrected and new ventilation circuits are shown forthwith; (o) regularly check the barometer provided at the mine and report any unusual change in barometric pressure to the manger and appropriate actions are taken; (p) take care of the instruments and apparatus used in the mines for environmental monitoring and ensure that all such instruments are maintained in good order and calibrated at specified intervals; (q) regularly visit returns of working districts and old working including Ventilation stoppings and shall himself take such steps as may be immediately necessary for the safety of the workers and shall report to the manager; (r) check the fire fighting measures and take necessary steps by regular rehearsals to ensure that all fire fighting equipments are maintained in working order and the concerned staff are fit and conversant with their duties in the event of a fire in the mine; (s) take necessary steps for proper cleaning, treatment and suppression of dust in the mine and see that the arrangements for wet-cutting at the faces and water spraying at of the working places are properly installed and function satisfactorily; (t) ensure that airborne dust samples are regularly taken in the specified manner; (u) collect air samples from areas , exhaust gases from diesel vehicles and from such other places as may be required by the manager; (w) ensure that all records and reports relating to ventilation and dust are kept up-to-date and entries are made regularly in the check boards for ventilation:

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Provided that nothing contained above shall exempt the manager, assistant manager, surveyor, mine foreman, mate or any other competent person concerned, from any corresponding duties and responsibilities specified for them in these regulations or any orders made thereunder; and (x) assist the manager in any matter relating to the ventilation of the mine. (2) Except in an emergency, no duties other than those specified above shall be assigned to the ventilation officer. (3) The ventilation officer shall maintain, in a bound paged book, a detailed record of the work performed by him every day. 50. Duties and responsibilities of mine foreman.(1) The mine foreman shall subject to the orders of superior officials, have responsibility, charge and control of such part of the mine, and shall carry out such duties, as may be assigned to him by the manager. (2) The foreman shall(a) while on duty, carry a tracing of the working of such district and shall keep the tracing up-to-date; (b) make the inspections and reports in this district. (c) ensure that the subordinate officials and competent persons in his district carry out their respective duties in a proper manner. (3) Subject to the control of the manager and the assistant manager, if any, the foreman shall give such directions as may be necessary to ensure compliance with those provisions, and to secure the safety of the district and the safety and proper discipline of the persons employed therein. (4) The foreman shall ensure that sufficient supplies of timber, support materials, brattice and other tools and tackles, appliances, necessaries required for the safe working of his district are kept at convenient places therein. (5) The foreman shall(a) ensure that every air-crossing, stopping, door, brattice and other ventilation device is maintained in good order; (b) ensure that the ventilation is effective in his district; and when brattices or air pipes or ducts are required to be used for the ventilation of the working places, he shall see that they are kept sufficiently advance to ensure that an adequate amount of air reaches every such working place; (c) have power to send out of the mine any person under his charge infringing or attempting to infringe any provision of the Act or of the regulations or orders made thereunder, or failing to carry out any direction given with regard to safety; and shall report in writing any such infringement or attempted infringement or failure to the manager; (d) ensure that all tracks and tramlines are properly laid, graded, ballasted or otherwise packed; (e) ensure that the manholes on the haulage roadways are kept safe, clear of any obstruction, and properly whitewashed; (f) ensure that the stop-blocks, runway switches and other safety devices are fixed and used as required under the regulations, that drag or back-stays are provided and regularly used behind tubs ascending inclines/declines and that a sufficient supply of suitable sprags is provided where tubs are loaded on a gradient or lowered down a gradient by hand; (g) if he finds any of the ropes, chains, signals, brakes, jig wheels and post or other apparatus in use in his district to be in an unsafe condition, stop the use of the same forthwith; (h) ensure that except for the purpose of inspection, examination and repairs every person other than an official or a haulage attendant travels by the travelling roadway; (i) give prompt attention to the removal of any danger observed or reported to him, and shall see that dangerous places are adequately fenced off. (6) In case of opencast working the foremen shall ensure that(a) sides of benches are kept dressed; (b) stability of benches is not endangered; (c) haul roads are kept maintained; (d) stability of overburden dumps is not endangered; (e) there is no over crowding of men and machinery at the working faces; (f) that adequate lighting is provided at area under his control; (g) that adequate precautions as laid down in these regulations are taken before blasting operations are conducted. (7) The Foreman shall(a) devote the whole of his time to his duties and shall visit each working place in his district as often as may be necessary or possible; (b) not, except for justifiable cause, leave the district in his charge until he had finished the inspections required under these regulations and any other duties that he is required to perform, or until relieved by a duly appointed substitute; (c) if the mine is working in a continuous succession of shifts, confer with the official succeeding him and give him such information as may be necessary for the safety of his district and of persons employed therein; (d) at the end of his shift, record in a bound-paged book kept for the purpose a general report in the specified format on the performance of all his duties during the shift, including anything concerning the proper working of the mine and the safety and discipline of persons employed in his district. 51. Duties and responsibilities of mining mates.(1) The mining mate or other competent person appointed under regulation 136 shall, subject to orders of superior officials, have responsibility, charge and control of the district of the mine assigned to him by the manager or assistant manager. (2) The mate shall(a) ensure proper observance of the requirements of the Act, the regulations, and orders made thereunder by persons under his charge and shall, as soon as practicable, report any contravention thereof to his superior official; (b) make such inspection and reports as are required by these regulations, and in making such examination, he shall pay particular attention to checking supports; (c) except in the case of a mine working in a continuous succession of shifts, he shall, on completion of the first inspection of the district, proceed to the station specified under regulation 136 and instruct all persons as to their places of work and as to any special precautions necessary to be observed by them; (d) If he finds any person in a place other than the one assigned to him, he may order such person out of the mine, and shall forthwith report the matter to his superior official;

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(e) ensure that no inexperienced person is employed on any work except under the supervision of an experienced person; (f) ensure that the roof and sides of all traveling roadways to, and working places in his district are made and kept secure; (g) where the height of any working place in the district in his charge measures from floor to roof exceeds three meters, ensure that a suitable wooden bunton or pole by which all parts of the roof may be effectively tested by a person standing on the floor; and a ladder of suitable length are kept at convenient places in the district; (h) report to his superior official any deficiency in timber, support materials, appliances and other necessaries required for the safe working of the district; (i) where either of the two ways affording means of egress from the district to the surface is not ordinarily used for travelling, he shall travel, once at least in every seven days, the whole of such roadway in order to make himself thoroughly acquainted with the same; (j) ensure that no timber or support is withdrawn except by means of a safety prop-withdrawer. (3) If he observes any dangerous place during the course of his inspections or if any danger at a place where workpersons are employed, he shall, if the danger cannot be removed forthwith, withdraw all persons from such place and shall not leave the place until the danger has been removed in his presence or all approaches to the place have been fenced off so as to prevent persons from inadvertently entering such place. (4) The mate shall(a) ensure that any dangerous operation is carried out with due precaution, and in such cases, shall be present throughout whenever any work of clearing falls of ground and setting of supports therein is being carried out; (b) cause the entrance to every place which is not in actual use or in course of working or extension, to be fenced across the whole width, so as to prevent persons from inadvertently entering such place; (c) if he finds any accumulation of inflammable or noxious gases, he shall take such precautions specified in carry out the regulation 163 and shall not remove such accumulation until he has received instructions in that behalf from his superior official; (d) devote the whole of his time to his duties, and shall not leave the mine until the end of the shift or until relieved by a duly appointed substitute; (e) if the mine is worked by a continuous succession of shifts, he shall, before leaving his district, confer with the mate or competent person succeeding him, and shall acquaint him with all matters requiring his personal attention and give him such other information as may be necessary for the safety of his district and of the persons employed therein; (f) on receipt of information of an accident to any person in his district, proceed at once to the place of accident, inspect the place and, if required, supervise the rescue operations, and shall report or send notice of the accident to the manager or assistant manager. 52. Duties and responsibilities of blaster. The blasters shall (a) carry out his duties in accordance with the provisions of the regulations and of any orders made thereunder with respect to the transport and use of explosives; (b) be responsible for the observance by his assistants, if any, of such provisions and of any direction with a view to safety which may be given to them by a superior official; (c) not hand over any explosives to any unauthorised person; (d) ensure that clay, sand or other suitable stemming material is available in sufficient quantities at convenient places; (e) be present when shots are being charged and stemmed; and shall himself fire the shots; and (f) be responsible, when a shot has misfired, for seeing that the place is adequately fenced, and that the provisions of regulations 193 are strictly observed. 53. Duties of support man.- The support man shall(a) carry out the orders of the manager, assistant manager or underground manager, foreman, mining mate or other competent person with respect to the securing of hang wall, footwall and back(roof) and other working places; (b) ensure placement of supports strictly in accordance to the support plan; (c) at once report to the mining mate or other competent person any shortage of support in his district; (d) in case of timber, be responsible to see that woodcuttings are not left in any working belowground. 54. Duties of attendants of main mechanical ventilators.- The person in charge of the main mechanical ventilator shall(a) keep the ventilator running at the speed fixed by the manager; (b) examine the machinery and observe the pressure-recorded or water gauge and the speed-indicator at intervals of not more than one hour, and shall enter the readings of the indicator in a bound-paged book kept for the purpose at the fan-house; (c) immediately report to his superior official any stoppage of, damage to, or defect or derangement in the machinery, or any unusual variation in the water-gauge or other indicators and shall immediately report to him any unusual circumstances in regard to mine ventilation which may come to his notice; and (d) where the ventilator is continuously operated, shall not leave his place until relieved by a duly appointed substitute. 55. Duties of lamp-cabin in-charge.- The competent person in charge of a lamp-cabin shall(a) be responsible for ensuring that all lamps in the lamp-cabin including safety lamps are properly maintained as per manufacturers specification and in accordance with the provisions of the regulations; (b) ensure that the lamp-cabin and safety lamp-room is kept in a neat and tidy condition, and that all damaged and defective gauges, glasses and other parts of safety lamps are not kept or stored in such room; (c) ensure that fire extinguishers or other means of dealing with fires provided in the lamp-cabin and safety lamps room are in good condition and readily available for use; (d) ensure that all records required by the regulations for the issue, return and maintenance of lamps including safety lamps are properly maintained; (e) ensure that every person going belowground is provided with a lamp having adequate charge to sustain at least whole of the shift; and

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(f)

carry out such other duties relating to the maintenance, issue and return of lamps including safety lamps as may be specified by the manager or assistant manager. 56. Duties and responsibilities of surveyor.(1) The surveyor shall(a) make such accurate surveys and leveling, and prepare such plans and sections and tracings thereof, as the manager may direct or as may be required by the Act or by the regulations or orders made thereunder, and shall sign the plans, sections and tracings and date his signature; and (b) be responsible for the accuracy of any plan and section, or tracings thereof that has been prepared and signed by him. (2) The surveyor shall record in a bound-paged book kept for the purpose (a) the full facts when working of the mine have approached to about 120 metres from the mine boundary, or from disused or waterlogged working; (b) any doubt which may arise or exist concerning the accuracy of the plans and sections prepared under these regulations; and (c) any other matter relating to the preparation of the plans and sections that he may like to bring to the notice of the manager. (3) Every entry in the book shall be signed and dated by the surveyor and countersigned and dated by the manager: . Provided that where in any mine two or more surveyors are employed, each of the surveyors shall make the entries aforesaid in respect of the working in his jurisdiction or of the plans and sections in his charge. (4) Nothing in sub-regulation (2) shall absolve the owner, agent or manager of his responsibility under the Act and under these regulations or orders made thereunder. 57. Duties and responsibilities of engineer.- The engineer or other competent persons appointed for the purpose shall(a) subject to the orders of the manager and other superior official, hold general charge of all machinery at the mine; and shall be responsible for the proper installation, maintenance and safe working of such machinery; (b) when any machinery is shifted or newly installed, see that it is given a trial run before it is put into use and shall be present during every such trial run; (c) be present throughout whenever any work of installing, changing or recapping of any winding rope, or of installing, changing or annealing any suspension gear, is being carried on; (d) ensure that the provisions of the Act and of the regulations and orders made thereunder relating to the installation, maintenance, operation or examination of machinery are properly carried out by himself or by subordinate officials, competent persons or workpersons as the case may be, appointed for the purpose; and (e) if foreman, electrical supervisor, mechanics, electricians or other subordinate officials or competent persons are appointed for the purpose, examine all reports, registers and other records relating to the installation, maintenance, operation or examination of machinery required to be made or kept in pursuance of the Act and the regulations or orders made thereunder, and shall countersign the same and date his signature: Provided that where in any mine two or more engineers or other competent persons are employed, every engineer or competent person shall be responsible for, and shall perform, the duties aforesaid in respect of such machinery as has been placed within his jurisdiction. 58. Duties of winding enginemen.- The winding engineman shall(a) at the beginning of his shift, examine the engine, brakes and all appliances in his charge, and shall satisfy himself that they are in good working order; (b) during his shift, keep the winding engine and apparatus connected therewith properly cleaned and oiled, and shall ensure that the engine room is clean and free of inflammable material; (c) immediately report in writing to the engineer or other competent person appointed for the purpose any defect which he has noticed in the engine, brake, indicator, drum, rope or other appliances under his charge; (d) not allow any unauthorised person to enter the engine room or in any way to interfere with the engine; (e) thoroughly acquaint himself with, and carefully attend to, the code of signals; and shall not start the engine until he has received the proper signal to do so and if the signal is indistinct, he shall not start the engine until it has been repeated and he clearly understands it; (f) avoid jerk in starting, running and stopping the engine, and shall cause the cage or other means of conveyance to be brought gently to rest at any stopping place; (g) while persons are being lowered or raised in the shaft, the winding engineman shall not drive the engine at a speed higher than that fixed by the manager for man-riding purposes and approved by the Regional Inspector; (h) not un-clutch the drum of his engine until he has assured himself immediately beforehand by testing the brake of the drum against the full power of the engine that the brake is in proper condition to hold the load suspended from the said drum or where the drum is un-clutched, he shall use the brake only for the purpose of maintaining such drum stationery, and shall not lower men or materials from an un-clutched drum; (i) on no pretext, leave the handle or brake whilst the engine is in motion, or while persons are riding a cage or other means of conveyance in the shaft; (j) not leave the engine whilst persons are at work in the shaft and whenever he has occasion to leave the engine, he shall cut off the power and secure the drums with the brake; (k) not leave the engine at the end of his shift unless all the persons have come out of shaft or unless relieved by a duly appointed substitute. 59. Duties of banksman, bellman and signalman.- (1) Every banksman, bellman and signalman shall(a) subject to the orders of a superior official, have full control of the top or bottom of shaft or winze or landing or inset, as the case may be, and shall report to such official any person who, without authority, gives a signal or disobeys instructions; (b) thoroughly acquaint himself with, and carefully attend to, the code of signals, and shall properly transmit the signals by the means provided. and not act on any signal, the correctness of which he is in doubt, except a signal which he believes to be to stop. and not allow any unauthorised person to give signals; (c ) immediately report to his superior official any defect in the signaling installation; (d) devote the whole of his time to his duties, and shall not leave his post during the period of his duty;

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(e) where persons are raised or lowered in the shaft, he shall not leave his post at the end of his shift unless all the persons have come out of the shaft or unless relieved by a duly appointed substitute; (f) not allow more than the authorised number of persons to enter the cage or other means of conveyance at any one time; (g) not, unless specially authorised in writing by the manager in that behalf, allow any person when riding in a cage or other means of conveyance, to take with him any bulky material other than tools and instruments: Provided that nothing in this clause shall be deemed to prohibit the carrying, in a cage or other means of conveyance, the explosives by a blaster or other competent person; (h) after any stoppage of winding for repairs or for any other cause for a period exceeding two hours, he shall not allow any person to ride in the cage or other means of conveyance unless it has been run at least one complete trip up and down the working portion of the shaft; (i) not allow any person to ride on the top or edge of any cage or other means of conveyance except when engaged in examination, repair or any other work in the shaft; (j) after persons have entered the cage, ensure that the cage gates on both sides are in position and closed, before signaling for the cage to be lowered or raised; (k) not allow any unauthorised person to handle tubs in or out of the cage; (l) while tubs are being lowered or raised, he shall also see that the catches are holding the tubs properly before signaling the cage or other means of conveyance and if he notices any defect in the tub-catches, he shall immediately inform his superior official; (m) at any entrance into a shaft or inset which is provided with gates or fences not worked by the cage or other means of conveyance, not begin to remove the gate or fence until the cage or other means of conveyance has stopped at the entrance, and shall close the gate before he has signaled the cage or other means of conveyance away and not permit any unauthorised person to open or interfere with the gate; (n) ensure that all fences and gates provided at the top of the shaft, winze, landing or at any inset are in position; (o) not permit any unauthorised person to remove a fence or gate; and if he notices any defect in such fence or gate, shall immediately inform his superior official; (p) keep the top of the shaft or the inset and the floor of every cage free from loose material; (q) when long timber, pipes, rails or other material projecting over the top of a cage or other means of conveyance are lowered or raised, ensure that the projecting ends are securely fastened to the rope, chains or bow; (r) when he suspects that the cages are not working smoothly in the shaft or winze or when he hears anything unusual happening in the shaft while the winding engine is working, immediately give signal to the winding engineman to stop the engine. (2) The banbksman shall(a) at the beginning of his shift, ensure that the Keps are in proper working order; (b) when he is informed of any danger in the shaft, shall not allow any person to descend except for the purpose of examination or repair; and during the time that such examination or repair is going on, shall be on duty and listen for signals; (c) not permit any person descending the shaft to carry any intoxicating drink or drug, or allow any intoxicated person to descend. (3) Where the manager so directs by an order in writing, the banksman or the bellman, as the case may be, shall also carry out the duties of a signalman. (4) The banksman shall not leave his place of work unless duly relieved by his successor. 60. Duties of haulage engineman and signallers, etc.(1) At the beginning of his shift, the haulage engineman shall examine the engine, its brake and all appliances in his charge, and shall satisfy himself that they are in good working order. (2) The haulage engineman shall, during his shift keep the haulage engine and apparatus connected therewith properly cleaned and oiled, and the engine-room clean and free of inflammable material. (3) The haulage engineman shall report immediately to the engineer or other competent person appointed for the purpose any defect which he has noticed in the engine, brake - drum, rope or other appliances under his charge. (4) Whenever the haulage engineman has occasion to leave the engine, he shall cut off the power and secure the engine with the brake. (5) The haulage engineman and signaler shall not allow any unauthorised person to enter the engine-room or in any way to interfere with the engine or signal, as the case may be. (6) Every haulage engineman and signaler shall thoroughly acquaint himself with, and carefully attend to, the code of signals. (7) The haulage engineman shall not start the engine until he has received the proper signal to do so and if the signal is indistinct, he shall not start the engine until it has been repeated and he clearly understands it. (8) The person in charge at the top of any haulage plane or incline shall see that the stop-block are blocking the way, before allowing any tub to be brought on to the top landing; and shall cause the tubs to be securely coupled up to each other and to the rope or chain, before the stop block is opened and in case any alternative safety appliance is provided, he shall cause the same to be brought into use on every such occasion. (9) The person who is responsible for the attachment, to the haulage rope, of any tub or set of tubs at any stopping place on any haulage plane or incline, shall see that no person remains in a position of danger at or near such stopping place while the rope is in motion. (10) The person in charge of any tubs or set of tubs, which it is intended to send up any haulage plane or incline on which drags or back-stays are required to be used, shall securely fix the drag or back-stay or cause it to be so fixed, before such tub or set of tubs is set in motion. (11) The person in charge at the top or bottom of the incline shall see that no unauthorised person rides on any tub. (12) Before a train of side-tipping tubs is set in motion, the person in charge shall see that the safety catches of all such tubs are properly secured. 61. Duties of locomotive drivers and shunters.- The locomotive driver shall(a) before commencing work in his shifts, ensure that the audible signal, whistle, lights and the brakes of the locomotive are in proper working order; (b) not work the locomotive unless the locomotive is fitted with sufficient headlights;

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(c) immediately report to the engineer or other competent person appointed for the purpose any defect which he has noticed in the locomotive or any part or fitting thereof; (d) not set the locomotive in motion until audible warning has been given by him to persons whose safety may be endangered and give the audible warning when the locomotive is approaching a level crossing or any place where any person is at work or where the drivers sight is intercepted; (e) not leave a locomotive unattended away from the place where it is housed, unless he has ensured that it cannot be set in motion by any unauthorised person; (f) ensure that no unauthorised person drives, handles or rides on a locomotive; (g) ensure that when tubs or wagons are being pushed in front of the locomotive, the shunter shall accompany the leading wagon. 62. Duties of cutting, loading machine drivers and mechanics or fitters.- The cutting, loading machine drivers and mechanics or fitters shall(a) where a machine is required to work on a gradient exceeding 1 in 5, an effective contrivance to prevent the machine running back shall be provided and used;. (b) no cutting or loading machine shall be fitted or otherwise moved with the cutting or loading tool in motion, except in the actual process of cutting or loading and if the cutting or loading tool, as the case may be, cannot be locked out of gear securely, it shall be removed before flitting is started; (c ) not make any repair or adjustment to a cutting or loading machine or shall put in or take out a pick, until he has made such arrangements as will prevent the mechanism being inadvertently put into motion while such operation is being performed; (d) not open or replace the cover of any electrical part of a cutting or loading machine, except under the supervision and in the presence of an engineer, electrician or other competent person appointed for the purpose; (e) not leave the machine unless he has completely cut off the power and has assured himself that the moving parts of the machine shall not be inadvertently set in motion; (f) ensure that the truck or dumper is not overloaded and the material loaded in the truck or dumper is not projected horizontally beyond the side of its body. 63. Duties of magazine in-charge.- The magazine in-charge shall(a) subject to the orders of superior officials, be responsible for the proper receipt, storage and issue of explosives in and from the magazine; (b) maintain such records of explosives so received, stored and issued, as are required by the rules made under Explosives Act, 1884, (4 of 1884) and under the Act and the regulations, rules, byelaws and orders made thereunder; (c) not issue explosives to any person other than a competent person; and when explosives are returned to the magazine, shall reissue such explosives before issuing fresh stock; (d) record in a bound-paged book kept for the purpose the names of various competent persons and the quantity and nature of explosives issued to each of them; and shall similarly record the quantity and nature of explosives returned to the magazine by each such person; (e) securely lock each canister before issuing it to the competent persons and shall also check whether the canister is returned to the magazine in locked condition; and shall not issue explosives in any canister which is not in proper repair or which cannot be securely locked; (f) not allow any unauthorised person to enter the magazine;

(g) not issue any explosive for which the prescribed shelf life has expired; and (h) if he discovers any shortage of explosives in the magazine forthwith, inform the manager in writing. 64. Duties of register keepers and attendance clerks, etc.(1) Every person appointed to keep registers or other records required to be kept by or under the Act or under these regulations, or orders made thereunder, or to make entries therein, shall make the necessary entries in ink and with reasonable dispatch. (2) During the whole time that persons are at work, the attendance clerk shall remain on duty at attendance cabin which shall be provided near the workplaces, or in case of working belowground, near the outlet used by the work persons to enter and leave such working. (3) It shall be duty of the attendance clerk to ensure that no person, who is not an employee of the mine or is not entitled to enter the mine under the Act or under the regulations, or orders made thereunder, or is not so authorised by the manager, shall enter the mine and if any such person forcibly enters the mine, the attendance clerk shall immediately report the matter in writing to the manger. (4) If after the commencement of a shift any official or a competent person has not got his attendance recorded in the register maintained under the Act, the attendance clerk concerned shall, within two hours after the commencement of the shift, report the fact in writing to the manager or the assistant manager or other official in charge of the shift. 65. Duties of dragline, shovel, excavator, surface miner, spreader, bucket wheel excavator, mobile transfer conveyor operators, etc.- Every person authorised to operate a dragline, shovel or excavator, etc., shall-(a) personally inspect the machine assigned to him in the beginning of his shift and test the various systems, subsystems and protective devices, as stipulated in this respect by the engineer in consultation with the manufacturer or supplier; (b) not take out the machine for work nor shall he work the machine unless he is satisfied that it is mechanically sound and in efficient working order;

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(c) maintain a record of every inspection made under clause (a) in a bound paged book kept for the purpose and shall sign every entry made therein; (d) keep the cabin or engine room and all window glasses clean; (e) keep the walkways, hand-rails, ladder-ways free of loose tools, lubricants or other material that might fall or cause a tripping hazard; (f) not allow any unauthorised person to ride on the machine; (g) not move or operate the machine when persons are in such proximity as to be endangered; (h) not swing the bucket over passing haulage units or over the cabin of units being loaded; (i) lower the bucket to ground, switch off the power supply to the machine or stop the prime mover and lock the cabin door before leaving the machine. 66. Duties of truck and dumper operators.(a) (b) (c) personally inspect the machine assigned to him in the beginning of his shift and test the various systems, sub-systems and protective devices; not take out the machine for work nor shall he work the machine unless he is satisfied that it is mechanically sound and in efficient working order; not drive the machine under his charge too fast, avoid distractions, and drive defensively, not attempt to overtake another vehicle unless he can see clearly far enough ahead to be sure that he can pass it safely and sound the audible warning signal before overtaking; when approaching a stripping or loading equipment, sound the audible warning signal and shall not attempt to pass the stripping equipment until he has received proper audible signal in reply; before crossing a road or railway line he shall reduce his speed, look in both directions along the road or railway line and shall proceed across the road or line only if it is safe to do so; sound the audible warning signal while approaching 'blind' corner or any other points from where persons may walk in front unexpectedly; not operate the truck or dumper in reverse unless he has a clear view of the area behind and give an audible warning signal before reversing a truck or dumper; be sure of clearance before driving through tunnels, archway, plant structures, etc. (1) Every person authorised to operate trucks and dumpers in a mine shall-

(d) (e) (f) (g) (h)

(2) The driver shall see that the vehicle is not overloaded and that the material is not loaded in a truck or dumper so as to project horizontally beyond the sides of its body and that any material projecting beyond the front or rear is indicated by a red flag during day and by red light after day light hours. (3) The driver shall not allow any unauthorised person(s) to ride on the vehicle. 67. Duties of drill operator.(1) At the beginning of his shift, the drill operator shall walk around to observe any abnormalities which can be easily detected and examine the drilling equipment and satisfy himself that(a) all safety tripping device are functioning; (b) all warning system are working;. (c) where compressed air drill are used all hose connections are in order; (d) wet drilling system or dust suppression system in order; (e) crown blocks are mounted securely. (2) The operator shall ensure that there are no oil leakage in the drill and also give special attention to cleaning of drill where will avoid leaking and chances of fire in drill. (3) The operator shall ensure that the fire fighting or suppression system are in working order. (4) If any one of the device are not working or formatting, the same shall be brought to the notices of competent persons and resume drilling only after defect are rectify in full and shall maintain a record of every inspection made under this regulation, in a bound paged book kept for the purpose, duly signed and dated by the person making the inspection. (5) The drill operator shall ensure that(a) work persons keep clear of auger and drill stem while the drill is in motion; (b) work person do not work under suspension tools and, when tools are removing from the holes, these shall be lowered on the platform; (c) all finished drill holes are properly plugged so as avoid possible leg injuries to any one accidentally stepping into hole; (d) the operator shall not leave the control cabin for whatever reason while machine is in operation; (e) shall maintained at least 15m distance from red warning zone while working near explosion; (f) shall be careful about overhead tension line during drilling and marching; (g) keep the cabin door closed when the tower is raised or lowered; (h) keep all leaver neutral and relief valve in neutral condition before switching off machine; (i) the drill be not operated on unstable ground and when mast is raised or lowered the machine shall be supported by jack if provided in level ground; (j) not exceed the speed and gradient as recommended by the manufacturer while marching and also during drilling. (6) Precaution while drilling . The following precaution shall be observed where drilling namely:a) the position of every deep hole to be drilled shall be distinctly marked by the mine foreman so as to be readily seen by the drillers; b) no drilling shall be commenced in an area where shots have been fired ,until the shot firer has made a thorough examination at all places including remaining butts if old deep for unexploded charges that the drill may strike;

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c) d) e)

no drill or bore rod or pick shall be inserted in butts of old deep holes even if an examination under clause (a)has failed to reveal presence of explosives; drilling and charging of deep holes shall not be carried out in the same area at the same time; drilling operations shall not be carried on simultaneously on two benches at places directly one above the other.

68. Duties of dozer operator.(1) Before commencing work, the dozer operator shall personally inspect and test the vehicle, paying special attention to the following details:(i) that brakes are in working order; (ii) that the warming devices including automatic audio visual reversing alarm are in working order; (iii) that the light are in working order, if the vehicle is required to work after daylight hours; (iv) the roll over protection is provided; (v) seat belt is provided. (2) The dozer operator shall not take out the dozer for work nor shall operate the dozer unless he is dozer that it is mechanically sound and in efficient working order. (3) The dozer operator shall maintain a record of every inspection made under this regulation in a bound paged book kept for the purpose duly signed and dated by the person making the inspection. (a) The dozer operator shall ensure that there are no oil leakage in the drill and also give special attention to cleaning of drill which will avoid leaking and chances of fire in dozer; (b) ensure that the fire fighting or suppression system are in working order; (c) keep the cab window clean so as to ensure clear vision at all times; (d) ensure that the gear is in neutral position before stopping the engine; (e) handle the dozer carefully and keep it under control at all times he shall negotiate downhill gradient in low gear so that minimum of braking is required. (4) The dozer operator shall not drive too fast shall avoid distraction and shall drive defensively and shall not attempt top overtake another vehicle unless he can see clearly for enough ahead to be sure that he can pass it safely by giving signal with audible sound warning before overtaking. (5) When approaching stripping equipment the dozer operator shall sound the audible warning signal and shall not attempt to pass the stripping equipment until he has received a proper audible signal in reply. (6) The dozer operator shall not operate the dozer in reverse unless he has a clear view of the area behind the vehicle or he has the assistance of a spotter or pitmen trip man duly authorised in writing for the purpose, by the manager and shall give an audible warning signal before reversing a truck or dumper. (7) The dozer operator shall not allow any unauthorised person to ride on the vehicle. (8) The dozer operator shall not engage any job when the dozer is in operation. The dozer operator shall adhere to the following safety precautions, namely:(a) avoid working closer to the height banks that are likely to collapse and not work too close to the edge; (b) never doze parallel to the edges while working on the closed proximities of the edges; (c) not move the dozer across the slope where there is possibility of track slipping or toppling of the dozer; (d) check thoroughly the condition of brakes and steering and the track pads grip and ensure they are safe enough to operate; (e) not leave loose rocks or overhangs but try to keep working surface even; (f) keep the equipment under control not work too close to the edges; (g) wear seat belt; (h) always leave a berm at the dump edges; (i) inspect frequently the dump edges for cracks and loose muck; (j) when dumping is in progress, stay away from the dump area; (k) do not leave the machine unattended not allow unauthorised persons inside the machine. (l) always park the equipment in designated area; (m) not leave the machine on slopes unless it is so required and while doing so, ensure that the dozer is facing towards downward slope with its blades and ripper shanks firmly placed on the ground by applying the brake and ensuring that the brake locks are in position; (n) never leave the equipment with the blade and ripper shanks in raised position; (o) not park the machine near high wall or valley edges. * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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CHAPTER - VI PLANS AND SECTIONS

69. General requirements about mine plans.(1) Every plan or section prepared or submitted in accordance with the provisions of these regulations shall (a) show the name of the mine and of the owner, and the purpose for which the plan is prepared; (b) show the true north, or the magnetic meridian and the date of the later; (c) show a scale of the plan at least 25 centimeters long and suitably subdivided; (d) unless otherwise provided, be on a scale having a representative factor of (i) 200 : 1, in case of mica mines and other mines having small scale working below ground; (ii) 2,000 : 1, in case of mines having large open cast working and also in case of surface plans of large leasehold areas ; and (iii) 1,000 : 1, in other cases: Provided that the Chief Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, permit or require the plans to be prepared on any other suitable scale; and (e) be properly inked in on durable paper, tracing cloth or on polyester film and be kept in good condition; (f) have an abstract of all statutory restrictions in respect of any specified working with a reference to the order imposing the same. (2) The conventions shown in the Second Schedule shall be used in preparing all plans and sections required by these regulations. (3) The plans and sections required by these regulations shall be accurate within such limits of error as the Chief Inspector may specify by a general or special order. (4) The plans and sections required under these regulations shall be maintained up to date which is not earlier than three months except in case of open-cast working in respect of which it shall suffice if the plans are maintained up-to-date within a period of twelve months: Provided that where any mine or part or section is proposed to be abandoned or the working thereof to be discontinued or rendered inaccessible, the plan and section shall be brought up-to-date before such abandonment or at the time of discontinuance; as the case may be, unless such abandonment or discontinuance has been caused by circumstances beyond the control of the owner, agent or manager, in which case the fact that the plan or section is not up-to-date shall be recorded on it. (5) All the reference stations at surface and the reference points of underground surveys shall be shown in their correct position relative to the survey of India national grid within the limits of error of survey and plotting. (6) Plans and sections required to be maintained under these regulations shall be kept available for inspection in the office at the mine, and shall not be removed therefrom except by or with the approval in writing of the Regional Inspector, unless a true copy thereof has been kept therein. 70. Type of plans and sections.(1) The owner, agent or manager of every mine shall keep the following plans and sections, namely;(a) a surface plan showing every surface feature within the boundaries, such as telephone, telegraph or power transmission line, water main, tram-line, railway, road, river, watercourse, reservoir, tank, bore-hole, shaft and incline opening, opencast working, subsidence and building on the surface; (b) an underground plan showing(i) the position of the working of the mine belowground; (ii) every bore-hole and shaft (with depth),drive cross cut, winze, rise, excavation (stopped ground) and every tunnel and air passage connected therewith; (iii) every pillar or block of mineral left for the support of any structure on the surface; and underground magazines, if any; (iv) every important surface feature within the boundaries, such as railway, road, river, stream, watercourse, tank, reservoir, opencast working and building which is within 200 metres of any part of the working measured on the horizontal plane; (v) the general strike of the veins, lodes, reefs and mineral beds or deposits; (vi) such sections of the veins, lodes, reefs and mineral beds or deposits as may be necessary to show any substantial variation in the thickness or character thereof and showing the working section, and such sections of the strata sunk or driven through in the mine or proved by boring as may be available; (vii) the position of every roll, washout, dyke, fault and other geological disturbance with the amount and direction of its throw and the hade; and whenever this plan is brought up-to-date, the then position of the working shall be shown by dotted line drawn through the ends of the working and such dotted line shall be marked with the date of the last survey; a transverse section or sections of the working through the shaft or shafts and main adits indicating clearly the surface and the dips of the vein, lode, reef or mineral bed or deposit at different points; and such sections of the strata sunk or driven through in the mine or proved by boring, as may be available; (c) a vertical mine section or sections showing a vertical projection of the mine working, where a reef, vein, lode or mineral bed or deposit has an average dip of more than 30 degrees from the horizontal: provided that, with the permission in writing of the Regional Inspector and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, such sections may be prepared in relation to any other suitable plane; (d) a ventilation plan, and section where necessary, showing the system of ventilation in the mine, and in particular (i) the general direction of air-current; (ii) every point where the quantity of air is measured; (iii) every air-crossing, ventilation door, stopping and every other principle device for the regulation and distribution of air; (iv) every fire-refuse chamber, if provided; (v) every room used for storing inflammable material; (vi) the position of fire-fighting equipment; (vii) every water-dam with dimensions and other particulars of construction;

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(viii) every pumping, telephone and ambulance station, every underground magazines; and (ix) every haulage and travelling roadway; (f) a joint survey plan showing the details required under this regulation signed by the surveyor and the manager of the adjoining mine(s) having working within 60 metres of the common boundary or where the boundary is in dispute, within 60 metres of the boundary claimed by the owner of the mine concerned signifying the correctness of the common boundary, or the disputed boundaries, as the case may be, and of the position of the working in relation to one another; (g) a geological plan and section of the area of leasehold, on a suitable scale; (h) a water-danger plan and section showing(i) nullah, river, lake, water pond, water coarse, drainage or any other water bodies on surface or belowground existing upto 200 metres of the boundary of the mine; (ii) the position of the working belowground and every borehole and shaft (with depth), drive, crosscut, winze, rise, staple pit, excavation and air passage connected therewith; (iii) the position of every dyke, fault and other geological disturbance with the amount and direction of its throw as well as hade; (iv) levels taken in working belowground at easily identifiable points sufficient in number to allow of the construction of sections along all drives, main headings and haulage roadways; (v) every source of water such as river, stream, water-course, reservoir, water-logged opencast working on the surface, and also the outline of all water-logged working belowground lying within 60 metres of any part of the working measured in any direction ; (vi) every reservoir, dam or other structure, either above or belowground, constructed to withstand a pressure of water or to control inrush of water, along with reference to its design and other details of construction; (vii) the highest flood level of the area. (2) Where different reefs, lodes, veins or mineral beds or deposits overlie or run parallel to one another, the working or each reef, lode, vein or mineral bed or deposit shall be shown on a separate plan or longitudinal section or sections; so however that if two reefs, lodes, veins or mineral beds or deposits are so situated in relation to each other than the parting between working made therein is less than 10 metres at any place, such working shall also be shown on a combined plan or longitudinal section , as the case may be in different colours. (3) Plans maintained under clauses (a), (b), (d), (e) , (f) and (g) of sub-regulation(1) shall also show surface contour lines drawn at vertical intervals not exceeding five metres (or ten metres in the case of a mine where there are no working belowground ; or in cases of mines situated in hilly terrain, such other larger interval as the Regional Inspector may permit by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify) over the whole area lying within 200 metres of any part of the working. (4) The plans maintained under clauses (b) of sub-regulation (1) shall also show spot levels on the floor of the working (i) along all haulage roadways, at every roadway junction, except in roadways where tramming is done by manual means where the spot levels may be shown at points not more than 150 metres apart; and (ii) in the case of headings which have been discontinued either temporarily or permanently, also at the end of such headings: Provided that where two drifts in stone or two drivages in ore pass over one another, these shall be clearly indicated on the plans, with appropriate noting, if necessary. (5) A permanent bench-mark shall be established on the surface, and all levels taken above and belowground shall be referred to a plane in relation to such bench-mark and particulars of the bench-mark, together with its height above Mean Sea Level, shall be shown on the plans required to be maintained under these regulations. (6) The plans kept under clauses (a) and (b) of sub-regulation (1) shall also show the settled boundary of the mine, or where the boundary is in dispute, the boundaries claimed by the owner of the mine and by the owners of the mines adjacent to the disputed boundary: Provided that where it is not possible to show the complete boundary of leasehold on the same plan, an additional key plan or any other suitable scale showing such boundaries and the outline of the working shall also be maintained. (7) The plans required to be kept under clause (b) of sub-regulation (1) shall also show the working, and all features as specified in that clause, both above and belowground of all adjacent mines as are situated within 60 metres, measured on any plane, of the boundary claimed by the owners of the mines. (8) The owner, agent and manager of every mine shall as soon as its working extend to within 60 metres of the settled boundary with an adjustment (or where the boundary is in dispute within 60 metres of the boundary claimed by the owner of the adjacent mine) inform the owner, agent or manager of such mine of the fact of such extension and shall also give all reasonable facilities to the surveyors of its adjacent mines to carry out the surveys and levellings required to be made under this sub-regulation. (9) The Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing(i) require such additional details to be shown on the plans and sections required to be kept under these regulations, or the preparation and maintenance of such other plans and sections showing such details and on such scale and within such time as he may specify in the order; (ii) require the owner, agent or manager to submit to him within such time such plans and sections, or tracings thereof, as he may specify in the order. (10) The owner, agent or manager shall, at any time if required by the Regional Inspector, show on any plan or section the then position of the working of the mine. 71. Plans and sections to be submitted after abandonment or discontinuance. (1) Where any mine is abandoned or the working thereof has been discontinued over a period exceeding 60 days, the person who was the owner of the mine at the time of abandonment or discontinuance shall, within a period of thirty days after the abandonment or within 90 days after the discontinuance of the working, as the case may be, submit to the Chief Inspector two true copies of the up-to-date plan and section of the working of the mine or part or section maintained under clauses(a), (b), (c) and (f) of sub-regulation (1) of regulation 70 and every such copy shall show the bearing and distance of at least one of the shafts or openings of the mine from a tri-junction or revenue pillar or from any other prominent and permanent surface feature, the position of all water-dams built belowground (with their dimensions and other particulars of construction) and also the spot levels at the ends of the working:

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Provided that if a change of ownership occurs after the abandonment or discontinuance and before the expiry of a period of thirty days or the period of ninety days aforesaid, as the case may be, such plans and sections shall be submitted forthwith. (2) The original or a certified true copy of the plan and section submitted under sub-regulation (1) shall be kept in the office at the mine. (3) The Chief Inspector may, on such conditions as he thinks fit to impose, and on payment of the cost of preparing copies as determined by him, supply copies of a plan or section submitted to him under sub-regulation (1) or such parts thereof as he thinks fit (a) to any person having a bonfire interest in the mine, seam or section; (b) to the owner, agent or manager of an adjacent mine. 72. Survey instruments and materials.(1) The owner or agent shall provide adequate number of accurate and reliable survey instruments and materials for the proper carrying out of all survey and levelling work and for the preparation of plans and sections required under these regulations; and no other instruments shall be used in connection with any such survey or levelling work. (2) The Survey Instruments so provided shall be checked, maintained and calibrated at regular intervals to maintain their accuracy level. 73. List of plans, sections and instruments and their storage.(1) All plans and sections, and tracings or copies thereof, kept at the mine shall be serially numbered. (2) Suitable arrangements shall be made at every mine for the proper storage and maintenance of every plan and section and of all instruments and materials and such arrangements shall provide for flat storage of every plan and section maintained under these regulations: Provided that where special conditions exist, the Chief Inspection may by an order in writing, permit storage and maintenance of plans and section in any other form subject to such conditions as he may specify in the order. (3) Every field book and other notes used in the preparation of plans and sections required under these regulations shall be duly indexed and kept in the office at the mine. (4) A list of all plans and sections maintained under these regulations, or any orders made thereunder, and tracings or copies thereof; of all survey instruments provided under regulation 72 with their respective types specifications and identification numbers; and of all field books and other notes kept under sub-regulation (3) shall be kept in a bound paged book kept for the purpose, and shall be brought up-to-date whenever necessary. (5) Every entry in the book shall be signed and dated by the surveyor, and countersigned and dated by the manager. 74. Preparation of plans by surveyors.(1) Every plan and section, and tracing thereof, prepared under these regulations shall be prepared by or under the personal supervision of the surveyor. (2) Every plan or section, or any part thereof, prepared by or under the supervision of a surveyor shall carry thereon a certificate by him to the effect that the plan or section or part thereof is correct and shall be signed and dated by the surveyor and countersigned and dated by the manager on every occasion that the plan or section is brought up-to-date. (3) Every tracing of a plan or section or of any part thereof shall bear a reference to the original plan or section from which it was copied and shall be certified thereon by the surveyor to be a true copy of the original plan or section and the certificate shall be signed and dated by him. (4) If the surveyor fails or omits to show any part of the working or allow the plans or sections to be inaccurate, he shall be guilty of a breach of these regulations: Provided that nothing in this sub-regulation shall, exempt the owner, agent or manager of their responsibility to ensure that every plan or section prepared, kept or submitted under these regulations or by any order made thereunder is correct and maintained up-to-date as required thereunder. (5) The owner, agent, or manager of every mine shall ensure that the plans and sections required to be kept and maintained under these regulations shall be surveyed and prepared using the latest survey instruments having facilities of automatic surveying, leveling, data storage and transfer to computers and plotters of compatible configurations incorporating all the required provisions of regulations in this regard: Provided that in case any difficulty arises in complying with the above provisions, it shall be referred to the Regional Inspector and the Chief Inspector who may change or specify the changes if so required by special order in writing. 75. Plans to be checked on change of ownership or on reopening, etc.(1) When there is a change in ownership of a mine, or where a mine or part thereof is reopened, or where in any mine or part thereof it is intended to start any extraction or reduction of pillars or blocks of minerals, the owner, agent and manager shall ensure that the plans and sections of the mine or part are accurate and if any doubt arises as to the accuracy of the plans and sections in any respect, he shall have accurate plans and sections prepared afresh of all accessible working before any drivage or other work of development or of stoping operations or extraction or reduction of pillars or blocks of minerals is commenced. (2) If the Regional Inspector is of the opinion that any plan or section prepared, kept or submitted under these regulations is inaccurate, he may, by an order in writing, require a fresh survey made and a new plan or section prepared within such time as he may specify therein. (3) If the plan or section required to be prepared under sub-regulation (2) is not prepared within the time specified in the order, or to the satisfaction of the Regional Inspector, or the plan or section is not prepared or brought upto-date as required under these regulations, he may get the plan or section prepared by any other agency; and the cost thereof, as certified by the Chief Inspector, shall be defrayed by the owner of the mine and recoverable from him as an arrear of land revenue. * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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CHAPTER-VII MEANS OF ACCESS AND EGRESS

76. Outlets from a mine.(1) Except for the duration of shaft sinking or the drivage of other means of access and egress from the mine together with the necessary development work, no person shall be employed, or be permitted to enter or remain for purpose of employment, in any working belowground, unless the working is provided with at least two separate means of access to the mine and egress to surface from the mine: (a) with which every lode, reef, vein or mineral bed or deposit, or section thereof, for the time being at work has a communication so as to afford separate means of access and egress to the persons employed therein; (b) which do not have their surface openings in the same building; and (c) which are under the sole control of the manager : Provided that the Chief Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, permit the employment belowground of persons even in a case where the two shafts, inclines or outlets are not under the control of the same manager. (2) The Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, permit the employment belowground of restricted number of persons even in a case where places in the working of the mine do not contain two means of egress from each working place. (3) Suitable arrangements shall be made for persons to descend and ascend by each of such means of access and egress, such as(a) where the shaft is vertical and more than 60 metres in depth, such arrangements shall be by mechanical means so installed and maintained as to be constantly available for use; and (b) where the incline is more than one and half kilometres in length (one way) and the travel by persons is arduous, a suitable man-riding system approved in writing by the Chief Inspector shall be provided for persons to access and egress from the working of the mine: Provided that in case of a doubt as to whether any such arrangement is suitable or not it shall be referred to the Chief Inspector for decision. (4) Both the means of access and egress and the equipment used therein for the transport of persons shall be kept constantly in a safe condition to facilitate ease of traveling, including clearances for hand carried stretchers. (5) Where in any shaft, ladders are used as a means of access or egress of persons employed in a mine, every such ladder shall confirm to the requirement as specified in regulation (82). (6) Such shafts, inclines or outlets shall not be less than 15 metres distance from one another at any point, and each shall be connected with the other by means of a walkable passage, not less than 1.8 metres high and 1.5 metres wide, through the working belowground that are being served by such shafts, inclines or outlets: Provided that outlets made before the coming into force of these regulations may be closer than 15 metres but not less than 6 metres apart. (7) Whenever the connection between two outlets which are required to be maintained under sub-regulation (1) has been obstructed or found dangerous, only such persons as are necessary to clear the obstruction or to repair the dangerous part of the connection or to make a new second outlet, as the case may be, shall be employed belowground until such time as the connection has been re-established or a new second outlet has been provided. (8) The foregoing provisions of this regulation with respect to shafts, inclines and outlets shall not apply (a) to any working for the purpose of making a connection between two or more shafts, inclines or outlets; and (b) to any working for the sole purpose of searching for or proving minerals: Provided that nothing in this sub-regulation shall be deemed to authorise the driving of roadways for the development purposes before a second outlet has been made in accordance with the said provisions. (9) In both the means of access and egress in the mine, an effective two way communication facilities with broadcasting system of telecommunication shall be provided to ensure that persons from belowground may be able to directly communicate to surface without any obstruction or loss of message and communication link. (10) The system of communication and telecommunication so provided shall be of wired, wireless or any other type, as approved by the Chief Inspector. (11) The system, configuration and layout of the communication and telecommunication network to be provided in the mine either on surface or belowground as well as from surface to belowground shall be approved in writing by the Chief Inspector. 77. Working shafts and winzes.(1) All entrances to the mine shaft shall be adequately illuminated throughout working hours. (2) Every shaft or winze in use or in course of being sunk and every incline or other outlet shall be made and kept secure. (3) Every shaft, incline and every winze or raise intended to be used for purposes of winding or haulage in the course of being sunk shall be provided with a permanent lining of metal, concrete or masonry, which shall at no time, be more than six metres from the bottom of the shaft, Incline, winze or raise: Provided that where iron or steel rings with a substantial lagging are used below the permanent lagging and are kept close to the bottom of the shaft, this distance may be increased to not more than 20 metres: Provided further that in the case of a shaft where special conditions exist which make compliance with the provisions of this sub-regulation not necessary, the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, grant exemption from the operation thereof. (4) All surface and seepage water shall be channeled in such a way as to prevent it from falling freely into the shaft. (5) The top, all insets and bottom of every working shaft and the sump thereof shall be kept clear and free from loose materials, tools and debris. 78. Fencings and gates at outlets.(1) Every entrance to a mine from the surface, and the top and all entrances between the top and bottom, including the sump, if any, of every working, ventilating or pumping shaft, shall be kept securely fenced so designed and constructed as to prevent any person accidentally falling down the shaft or coming into contact with a moving part of the hoisting equipment provided in the shaft. (2) Every walkable entrance from the surface to the working belowground shall be provided with a substantial gate which shall be kept closed and locked when there are no persons belowground:

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Provided that where such entrance is not used as a means of ingress or egress in or out of the mine, it shall be permanently closed so as effectively to prevent persons from entering therein. 79. Outlets from mine parts. Every part of a mine shall, where practicable, be provided with at least two ways of affording means of egress to the surface: Provided that if any doubt arises as to whether the provision of two such ways is practicable or not, it shall be referred to the Chief Inspector for decision. 80. Periodic examination, etc. of outlets.(1) Every shaft, incline and other outlets provided as required by regulation 76 shall be examined, once at least in every seven days, by a mine foreman or other competent person and a report of every such examination shall immediately thereafter be recorded in a bound paged book kept for the purpose duly signed and dated by the person making the examination. (2) The mechanized outlet shall be examined at least once in every seven days by an engineer or electrical supervisor or foreman or any other competent person duly authorised in writing by the engineer and a report of every such examination shall immediately be recorded in a bound paged book kept for the purpose and signed and dated by the person making the examination and the bound paged book so maintained by the elect. supervisor or foreman or any other competent person shall be checked and countersigned by the engineer and manager. (3) If at the time of such examination or at any other time, the shaft, incline or other outlet is found to be not safe, it shall not be used for any purpose, except as a natural airway, until it has been made safe in all respects and a report of every such action taken shall be recorded in the book kept under sub-regulation (1). 81. Provision of ladderways.(1) Every shaft or winze, including shaft or winze in the course of being sunk, which has an inclination exceeding 25 degrees from the horizontal, shall be provided with a ladderway from the top to the bottom: Provided that in the case of a shaft or winze in the course of being sunk, the ladderway may be provided within such distance, not exceeding 20 metres, from the bottom as to secure it from danger during blasting operations and a chain or rope ladder shall be provided from this point to the bottom of the shaft or winze: Provided further that where the Chief Inspector is of the opinion that compliance with the provisions of this subregulation is not reasonably practicable, he may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, grant an exemption therefrom. (2) Every working place shall be provided with platforms or other means of keeping a foothold, and where necessary, with ladders from climbing. 82. Ladders.(1) Every ladder used in a mine shall (a) be of strong construction; (b) subject to sub-regulation (2), be securely fixed in the shaft, winze or stope at an inclination of not more than 80 degrees from the horizontal; (c) be made continuous or without perceptible overlapping or break except at a platform or sollar; (d) project at least one metre above the mouth of the shaft, winze rise or stope and above every platform, except where strong holdfasts or hand-rails are provided; (e) have rungs equally spaced and at a sufficient distance from the wall or from any timber to ensure proper foothold; and (f) be maintained in good repair. (2) Except in respect of the lowest 10 metres or a sinking shaft or winze, no ladder shall be placed at an inclination of more than 80 degrees from the horizontal: Provided that the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, permit a ladder to be fixed at a steeper inclination. 83. Provision of sollars, etc.(1) If a ladderway provided under sub-regulation (1) of regulations 81 exceeds 20 metres in depth and has an inclination of more than 30 degrees with the horizontal, platforms or sollars shall be provided at intervals of not more than 15 metres along the underline or slope of the shaft or winze. (2) Where the inclination is more than 60 degrees from the horizontal, the platforms or sollars shall be provided at intervals of not more than 10 metres. (3) If a manhole is provided at any platform in any shaft or winze, it shall be placed behind the ladder leading up from the platform. (4) Every opening in a platform provided for the handing of timber or other materials shall be effectively closed off from the rest of the platform. 84. Guarding of ladderways.(1) Every ladderway in a shaft or winze used for winding or other purposes shall be in a separate compartment or shall be adequately guarded from other compartments. (2) Every ladderway below any place or travelling roadway where persons are stationed or pass, shall be provided with a suitable cover of substantial fence or guard. 85. Carrying of materials on ladderways.- No person shall carry or be permitted to carry a drill, tool, explosives or any loose material on a ladderway in a shaft or winze having an inclination of more than 45 degrees from the horizontal except so far as may be necessary for carrying out repairs : Provided that nothing in this regulation shall prevent a person from carrying a drill, tool or explosives in suitable sling or container secured to the person.

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Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012

CHAPTER - VIII WINDING IN SHAFTS

86. Appointment, etc., of winding enginemen.- (1) No person shall be appointed as a winding engineman unless he holds an Engine Drivers Certificate: Provided that this sub-regulation shall not apply to the driver of an electrical winding engine upto 30 HP or of a steam or compressed air winding engine which has cylinders not exceeding 18 centimeters in diameter and which is not used for raising or lowering of persons. (2) Where special difficulties exist which make compliance with the provisions of sub-regulation (1) not reasonably practicable, the Chief Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, relax the said provisions. (3) No person, other than a winding engineman appointed under sub-regulation (1) or a duly appointed assistant working under his direct personal supervision shall operate any winding engine: Provided that in an emergency any other competent person may be permitted to operate the winding engine. (4) The name of the winding engineman on duty, together with the period of his shift shall be posted in the winding engine room: Provided that where the Regional Inspector is of the opinion that the duties of any winding engineman are unduly arduous, he may by an order in writing require the period of his shift to be reduced to such period, not less than five hours, as he may specify. 87. New winding installations.(1) When it is intended to bring into use of any new winding installation for lowering and raising of persons, the owner, agent or manager shall, not less than 60 days before such use, give notice of such intention to the Chief Inspector in such form as may be specified by the Chief Inspector which shall contain detailed specifications of the installation. (2) A winding engine which is shifted from one site to the other within the same mine or from one mine to other shall be considered as a new installation for the purpose of this regulation. (3) If the Chief Inspector, by an order in writing requires, such additions or alterations shall be made to the installation, as he may specify in the order. 88. Construction and installation of winding equipment.(1) Every part of a winding installation, including headgear shall be of sound construction and adequate strength, and shall be maintained in safe working order: Provided that in case of any doubt as to the foregoing, it shall be referred to the Chief Inspector for decision. (2) The engine shall be firmly connected to a rigid foundation and shall be so designed, constructed and maintained that with the power provided, the raising and lowering of persons or materials can be carried out with ease, regularity and safety. (3) Unless otherwise permitted in writing by the Chief Inspector and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, every engine for winding shall be so situated in relation to the headgear that the winding rope shall not, in the extreme position, subtend in either direction an angle more than one and a half degrees with the plane of the sheave or pulley used in connection with the rope. (4) The diameter of the drums or sheaves of the winding engine, and of the pulleys and sheaves used in connection with the winding shall, unless otherwise permitted in writing by the Chief Inspector and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, be not less than 80 times the diameter of the rope in the case of winding installations installed before 1961 and not less than 100 times the diameter of the rope in other case: Provided that the Chief Inspector may, by an order in writing, require that in the case of any specified winding installation installed before the date aforesaid, the diameter of the said drums, pulley or sheaves shall not be less than such size, upto 100 times the diameter of the rope, as he may specify in the order. (5) The grooves of such sheaves or pulleys shall be suited to the diameter of such rope. (6) Every pulley or sheaves used in connection with winding shall, while in motion, rotate in a vertical plane, and shall be maintained in such a condition that slipping is reduced to a minimum. 89. Fittings of winding engines.(1) At every shaft, including a shaft in the course of being sunk, where winding is effected by means of an engine, the following provisions regarding winding engines shall have effect, namely:(a) there shall be on the drum such flanges, and also if the drum is conical or spiral such other appliances, as will be sufficient to prevent the rope from slipping or coiling unevenly; (b) except in friction winder, the end of the rope shall be securely fixed in such a manner that the rope is not unduly strained; (c) there shall be at least two turns of the rope on the drum when the cage or other means of conveyance is at its lowest working point in the shaft or winze. (2) There shall be provided one or more brakes on the drum or the drum-shaft, which(i) if there are two cages or other means of conveyance, will hold such cages or other means of conveyance when the maximum torque is applied in either direction; or (ii) if there is only one cage or other means of conveyance, will hold the loaded cage or other means of conveyance in midshaft when the maximum torque is applied downwards: Provided that at least one of the brakes shall be so designed that the brake remains at the on position except when operated. (3) Where the brake or brakes are power-operated, at least one of them shall be arranged to be applied automatically at all times if the power supply fails. (4) The brake on the drum shall be used only for the purpose of keeping such drum stationary and not for lowering the cage or other means of conveyance, except in cases where the engine is to be worked at a very low speed as when examining the winding rope or the shaft or winze. (5) Where the winding engine is worked by steam or compressed air, a screw stop-valve shall not be used as controlling valve of the engine. (6) Every engine shall be equipped with a reliable depth-indicator (in addition to any mark on the rope) showing to the winding engineman the position of the cage or other means of conveyance in the shaft or winze, and an automatic device that will ring a bell in the engine room when the ascending cage or other means of conveyance is at a distance of not less than two revolutions of the drum from the top of the shaft or winze. (7) The depth-indicator shall be tested after every adjustment or replacement of the winding rope.

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90. Shaft fittings.- (1) At every winding shaft, other than a shaft in the course of being sunk to which the provisions of regulation 94 shall apply, the following provisions shall have effect, namely:(a) two independent and efficient means shall be provided and maintained for interchanging separate, distinct and definite signals between the top of the shaft or winze and (i) the bottom or other permanent landing of the shaft; and (ii) every inset for the time being in use, and one of such system shall be by electrical means; (b) there shall also be provided and maintained efficient means for transmitting such signals from the top of the shaft to the winding engineman which shall be transmitted by mechanical or electrical means; (c ) the following code of signals shall be used and strictly observed: ONE RAP : STOP when engine in motion TWO RAPS : LOWER when engine at rest THREE RAPS : RAISE FOUR RAPS : MEN ready to ascend or descend FOUR RAPS : IN REPLY MEN may enter the cage or other means of conveyance: Provided that any other signals shall be in addition to, and shall not interfere with, the foregoing: Provided further that the Chief Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, permit the use of any code of signalling other than that specified above; (d) a printed copy of the code of signals, including additional signals, if any, shall be posted prominently at the top of the shaft and at every such inset and landing and also in the winding engine room; (e) no person other than the banksman or bellman shall give any signal unless he is an official of the mine or is authorised in writing by the manager to give signals; (f) any defect in the signaling system shall be immediately reported to a supervisory official who shall take action to have the defects rectified; (g) in addition to the system of signaling provided in the shaft or winze and the winding system, another means of two way communication or telecommunication system shall also be provided so that the winding engine driver, banksman, on-setter, persons travelling inside the cage or any other person can contact and communicate with each other without any difficulties and hindrance. (2) Where the shaft or winze is vertical and exceeds 45 metres in depth, it shall be provided with sufficient number of guides to ensure smooth and safe travel of the cage or other means of conveyance: Provided that where rope guides are used, the cheese-weights or bottom clamps shall be kept so exposed as to permit regular examination. (3) Above the topmost landing, dogs or other devices for holding the cage or other means of conveyance in the event of an overwind shall be provided, or the guides, runners or receivers shall be sprung. (4) Except in friction winders, at the top of every shaft where cages are used, suitable keps shall be provided and so arranged as to fall into the on position when the operating lever is released. (5) At every inset where keps or folding platforms are provided, arrangements shall be made to lock the keps or platforms securely in the off position; and when in the off position such keps or platforms shall leave the shaft clear f or the passage of the cage and in every such case, a proper automatic indicator to show the position of the keps or platforms, as the case may be, shall be provided in such a position as to be easily seen by the banksman. (6) Protective roofing, sufficient to prevent danger from anything falling in the shaft, shall be provided and maintained at the bottom of the shaft and the gap, both vertical and horizontal, between the protective roofing and the top of cage, when the cage is at the bottom of the shaft, shall not exceed 15 centimeters. 91. Man winding.- At every shaft, other than a shaft in the course of being sunk, where a winding engine is used for the purpose of lowering or raising persons, the following provisions shall have effect, namely: (a) in respect of every part of the winding installation, including pulleys or sheaves, cages, chains, distribution plates and detaching hooks, the following particulars shall be recorded in a bound paged book kept for the purpose: (i) name of the manufacturer and the year of manufacture; (ii) specifications and dimensions; (iii) reference to every certificate supplied with the part; (iv) date of installation of each part; and (v) any other detail that may be necessary or required by the Regional Inspector; (v) all entries in the book shall be made and signed by the engineer or other competent person, and shall be countersigned and dated by the manager; (b) whenever any part or article is replaced or any repaired part or article used in any winding installation, the fact of such replacement or repair shall be recorded in the book kept under sub-regulation (a); (c) a single linked chain shall not be used, except for the short coupling chain attached to a cage or other means of conveyance which shall be attached to the safety hook through a distribution plate or other approved appliance; (d) where safety-chains are used, their length shall be such that if the king-bolt breaks, the shock to the cage or other means of conveyance is as minimum as possible; (e) where drum-clutches are provided, the following provisions shall have effect, namely: (i) the operating gear of the clutch of the drum shall be provided with locking gear to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of the clutch; (ii) every engine used for the lowering or raising of persons shall have a suitable interlocking device so fitted that it is not possible to unclutch any drum unless the brakes of such drum are applied; or to release the brakes until the drum clutch is fully engaged and securely locked; (f) except when the cage or other means of conveyance attached to the drum is resting at the bottom of the shaft, the drum shall not be unclutched unless the winding engineman has assured himself immediately beforehand that the brake is fully applied; (g) except in friction winders, there shall be provided between the rope and the cage or other means of conveyance a detaching hook; (h) the space between such detaching hook referred to in clause (g), measured from the centre of the hole for attaching it to the rope shackle, and the detaching-bell or plate when the cage or other means of conveyance is at its normal position at the

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top of the shaft, shall be not less than 1.8 metres where a geared engine is used, and not less than 3.6 metres where a direct acting engine is used; (i) in every shaft, the engine shall be fitted with an automatically recording speed indicator. (j) in every shaft, there shall be provided an effective automatic contrivance to prevent over speeding and overwinding, hereinafter called the Automatic Contrivance which shall prevent the descending cage from being landing at the pit bottom or other permanent landing at a speed exceeding 1.5 metres per second and shall also control the movement of the ascending cage in such a manner as to prevent danger to persons riding therein. (k) the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing, specify the maximum speed of winding in any shaft; (l) tests of every Automatic Contrivance and every brake shall be made by the engineer or other competent persons appointed for the purpose, in the following manner, namely:(i) once at least in every seven days, by raising each cage or other means of conveyance, in turn, to pass the last control point above the topmost landing; and (ii) once at least in every three months, by attempting to land the descending cage at excessive speed for which the setting of the Automatic Contrivance may be altered so that pre-determined point in the shaft is regarded as the landing; and (iii) the results of every such tests shall be recorded in a bound paged book kept for the purpose, duly signed and dated by the person making the test; (m) unless the Automatic Contrivance is in fully engaged either automatically or by the winding engineman, whenever persons are to be lowered or raised; and an automatic indicator shall be provided in such a position to indicate the banksman that the automatic contrivance has been fully engaged; (n) the banksman shall not allow any person to enter a cage or other means of conveyance until the indicator shows that the automatic Contrivance has been fully engaged; (o) except where an Automatic Contrivance is provided to prevent overwinding, a point shall be fixed and marked on the indicator of the engine in such a way as to show when the cage or other means of conveyance is at a distance of not less than twice the circumference of the drum from the completion of the wind; and if such cage or other means of conveyance contains persons, the winding engineman shall not, as soon as it has reached the point aforesaid, raise it for the remaining distance at a speed exceeding 1.2 metres per second; (p) where the only means of egress in a mine is by apparatus worked by steam or electricity, precautions shall be taken to ensure that the two winding engines do not fail simultaneously, and in particular, in the case of electric winding engines, the engines shall be capable of being connected to two separate power supplies and unless the Chief Inspector by an order in writing otherwise directs, the provisions of this sub-regulation shall be deemed to be satisfied if an emergency winding gear is maintained; (q) every cage or other means of conveyance in which persons ride, shall be (i) covered completely at the top; (ii) closed in at the two sides in a manner sufficient to prevent persons or things from projecting beyond the sides; (iii) provided with a rigid hand-bar fixed in a position where it can be easily reached by all persons in the cage or other means of conveyance; (iv) provided with suitable gates or other rigid fences such that the gap between the floor of cage or other means of conveyance and the lowest part of the gate or fence does not exceed 15 centimeters and that between any two members of the gate or fence does not exceed 25 centimeters and gates or fences shall not open outwards and they shall be so fitted and maintained that they cannot be accidentally opened; and (v) provided with an effective means of communication or telecommunication system having provisions of audio and visual, data and digital display including broadcasting system approved in writing by the Chief Inspector; (r) the floor of every cage or other means of conveyance shall be strongly constructed and so maintained as to prevent any part of the body of a person riding in the cage or other means of conveyance from projecting beyond the floor; (s) not more than such number of persons as may be authorised by the manager shall be allowed to ride in the same cage or same deck of a cage or other means of conveyance at one time; and a notice specifying the number shall be posted at the top and bottom of every shaft and at every inset. (t) no person shall, when ascending or descending a shaft, take with him any bulky material other than tools and instruments, except when engaged in repairing the shaft or with the written authority of the manager; (u) except as provided in clause (t), no person shall ride in a cage while materials or tubs are being raised or lowered in any of the cages or other means of conveyance; (v) the Chief Inspector may, subject to such conditions as he may specify, relax the requirements of this regulation if the circumstances in any mine or part thereof are such as to tender compliance with such requirements not reasonably practicable. 92. Multi-decks.- Where a cage has two or more decks which are used simultaneously, each floor at a landing shall be connected by an effective signalling device with the main floor of the landing; and only the banksman or the bellman or an official, as the case may be, at such main floor shall give action signal, and only after he has satisfied himself that all cage gates are closed. 93. Winding of material.(1) Every cage used for the raising or lowering of tubs shall be provided with catches or other effective contrivances to prevent the tubs failing out and the cage shall not be set in motion unless the catches or other effective contrivances are in position. (2) The floor of every cage shall be kept clean; and no skip, bucket or tub shall be filled up to such height that any of the contents can fall out. (3) Before long timber, pipes, rails, or other material projecting over the top of the cage or other means of conveyance are lowered or raised, the projecting ends shall be securely fastened to the rope, chain or bow. 94. Winding in sinking shafts.- At every shaft or winze in the course of being sunk, where a winding engine is used, the following provisions shall have effect, namely:(a) If the shaft or winze is vertical and exceeds 45 metres in depth, there shall be provided for each bucket or other means of conveyance a detaching-hook between the centre of the hole for attaching the detaching-hook to the rope shackle and the detaching bell or plate, when the bucket or other means of conveyance is at the top landing, there shall be a clear overrun space of not less than 3.6 metres;

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Where the shaft exceeds 150 metres in depth, (i) the bucket or other means of conveyance, when used for lowering or raising persons, shall be provided with sufficient cover overhead for protection from things falling down the shaft; and (ii) there shall be provided for each bucket or other means of conveyance, a sufficient number of guides which shall be kept extended to within 22.5 metres of the shaft bottom at all times when sinking is in progress: Provided that the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing, require the provision of guides in a shaft less than 150 metres in depth; (c) There shall be provided and maintained(i) two separate means of interchanging distinct and definite signals between the bottom and the top of the shaft or winze; and (ii) efficient means for transmitting such signals from the top of the shaft to the winding engineman; (d) The signaling appliances shall be examined by a competent person once at least in every 24 hours and the result of every such examination shall be recorded in a bound paged book kept for the purpose duly signed and dated by the person making the examination; (e) Except with the permission in writing of the Chief Inspector and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, the following code of signals shall be used and observed in signaling, namely:ONE RAP : STOP when engine in motion TWO RAPS : LOWER THREE RAPS : Take up SLACK or RAISE FOUR RAPS : Take up SLACK or RAISE when men are riding: Provided that any other signals shall be in addition to, and shall not interfere with, the foregoing: Provided further that the Chief Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, permit the use of any code of signalling other than that specified above; (f) A printed copy of the code of signals, including additional signals, if any, shall be posted prominently at the top of the shaft and also in the winding engine room; (g) Except while riding in a bucket or other means of conveyance, no person other than the chargeman or a person authorised in writing by the manager, shall give any signal; (h) Every bucket or other means of conveyance in which persons or materials are conveyed, shall be of strong construction and so maintained as to prevent persons or materials from falling; (i) At the top of the shaft or at the landing where the bucket or other means of conveyance is normally landed, suitable doors or covering shall be provided and except as may be required for the passage of the bucket or other means of conveyance, the doors or covering shall always be kept closed; (j) Where the shaft or winze has an inclination of 35 degrees or more from the horizontal and exceeds 45 metres in depth measured along its plane, the persons working at the bottom shall also be protected by an adequate protective covering which shall be kept lowered to within 22.5 metres of the bottom of the shaft at all times when sinking is in progress and every such protective covering extending over the whole area of the shaft or winze, sufficient space being left therein only for the passage of the bucket or other means of conveyance; and the cover or scaffold shall be kept lowered (i) if the shaft or winze is vertical to not more than 22.5 metres from the bottom; and (ii) in any other case, not more than 30 metres from the bottom : Provided that where special circumstances exist, the Chief Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions, as he may specify therein, grant an exemption from the provisions of this clause; (k) Not more than such number of persons as may be authorised by the manager shall be allowed to ride in the bucket or other means conveyance at one time; and a notice specifying such number shall be posted prominently at the top of the shaft; (l) When tools, implements or other materials are lowered or raised, the banksman or chargeman, as the case may be, shall ensure that (i) the bucket is properly loaded; (ii) materials are not loaded above the rim; (ii) long timber, pipes, rails, tools or other material with ends projecting over the rim are securely fastened to the rope, chains or bow; and (iv) the bucket, before being sent away, is steadied, and the bottom and sides thereof are free from adhering material; (m) Where guides are provided, the bucket or other means of conveyance shall be raised slowly from the bottom of the shaft, until the rider is picked up; (n) While persons are at work on any scaffold or platform in the shaft, the following precautions shall be strictly observed:(i) the scaffold or platform shall be secured to the sides of the shaft in order to prevent it from swinging; (ii) the opening for the passage of the bucket or other means of conveyance, shall be so protected as effectively to prevent anything falling through it; (iii) the scaffold or platform shall not be lowered or raised except under the order of the chargeman or other competent person. 95. Winding ropes, etc.(1) No rope, bar, link, chain or other attachment to a cage or other means of conveyance shall be used unless it is of good quality and manufacture, is free from any visible defect and is of adequate calculated strength: Provided that the Chief Inspector may, by an order in writing prohibit the use of any rope or type of ropes where, in his opinion such use is unsafe. (2) The attachment between the rope and the cage or other means of conveyance shall be of such type and be maintained in such manner as to obviate accidental disconnection: Provided that in case of a doubt, as to the fitness of any rope, bar, link, chain or other attachment used or intended for use, it shall be referred to the Chief Inspector for decision.

(b)

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(3) Except, in a sinking shaft less than 30 metres in depth, every winding rope shall be made of cold drawn steel wire, and the gauge of the wires used in the construction of such rope shall be suited to the diameter of the drums, pulleys and sheaves of the winding installation. (4) In any shaft, including a shaft in course of being sunk, where persons are lowered or raised and where guides are not provided, no rope other than a rope of non-spinning type shall be used. (5) No rope which has been spliced shall be used for winding purposes. (6) No winding rope shall be used or continued in use, if its safety factor (i.e. the ratio between breaking load on the rope at any point and the maximum static load on it when the cage or other means of conveyance is at the lowest working point) is or becomes (i) less than 10 in the case of a shaft not exceeding 300 metres in depth; (ii) less than 9 in the case of a shaft exceeding 300 metres but not exceeding 500 metres in depth; (iii) less than 8 in the case of a shaft exceeding 500 metres but not exceeding 700 metres in depth; (iv) less than 7 in the case of a shaft exceeding 700 metres but not exceeding 1000 metres in depth; (v) less than 6 in the case of a shaft exceeding 1000 metres but not exceeding 1500 metres in depth; (vi) less than 5 in case of a shaft exceeding 1500 metres in depth. (7) At every mine where a shaft or winze or incline is used for lowering or raising persons, at least one spare winding rope suitable for use in such shaft, shall be kept in store. (8) For every rope in use or intended for use, a certificate showing its breaking load, quality, construction and diameter (obtained from the manufacturer or supplier) and a history of its use, including a record of diameters of the drums, sheaves and pulleys used in conjunction with the rope, shall be kept in a bound paged book kept for the purpose and all entries therein shall be made duly signed with date by the engineer or other competent person, and shall be countersigned and dated by the manager. (9) If in the case of a rope a test certificate as to the amount of its breaking load is not available, it shall not be used unless a portion thereof, not less than three metres in length, has been cut off from the end of the rope attached to the cappel and tested in a laboratory, institution or test house approved by the Central Government for the purpose. (10) No winding rope which has been in use for more than three and half years shall be used for winding purposes: Provided that where the Regional Inspector is satisfied that due to sparing use any such rope is in good condition even after the expiry of the said period, he may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, allow the use of such rope for a longer period: Provided further that where the Regional Inspector is of the opinion that any rope has become unsafe for use in a shaft before the expiry of the period of three and a half years aforesaid, he may, by an order in writing, prohibit the use of such rope for winding purposes: Provided also that an appeal against any order of prohibition of the Regional Inspector for use of the rope before expiry of three and half years may be preferred to the Chief Inspector. (11) Every application for permission to use a rope after the period of three and a half years shall be accompanied by a copy of the entries, in respect of the rope, in the book kept for the purpose under sub-regulation (8), and also by a certificate obtained in the manner laid down in the sub-regulation (9) as to the strength of the rope not more than three months prior to the date of the application. (12) No mode or type of capping shall be used, which fails to withstand a load of at least 10 times the maximum static load thereon. (13) The cappel of a round rope shall not be attached to the rope by rivets passing through the rope. (14) No bent back wire type cappel shall be used with winding rope. (15) Where white metal is used in the capping of ropes, the tapered portion of the socket shall not be less than six and a half times the diameter of the rope for the size up to 26 millimeter and seven and one third times in case of ropes of diameters higher than 26 millimeter. (16) If white metal is used in the capping of ropes, (i) its melting point shall not exceed 300 degrees centigrade, and its temperature when poured into the socket shall not exceed 363 degree centigrade; (ii) in the length of rope which is to lie within the tapered part of the socket, the fiber core, if any, shall be cut and the wires shall be untwisted and thoroughly cleaned; and (iii) the socket shall be heated to a temperature of about 100 degrees centigrade before the white metal is poured into it. (17) Except in friction winder,(i) every rope shall be recapped once at least in every six months, or if necessary, at shorter intervals and also after every overwind. (ii) before every recapping, a length, including the capping, of at least two metres shall be cut off the rope and every piece of rope so cut-off shall be opened and its internal condition examined. (18) The recapping of rope shall be carried out under the supervision of the engineer or other competent person, who shall record the date and other particulars thereof (including the length of the rope remaining after recapping) in a bound paged book kept for the purpose and shall sign and date the same. 96. Suspension gear.(1) All parts of the suspension gears shall be of a type as approved by the Chief Inspector. (2) All parts of suspension gear in regular use shall unless otherwise permitted by the Chief Inspector, be renewed after a period of service of not more than six years, and at shorter intervals if necessary. (3) The factor of safety shall not be less than 10 for components of suspension gears and threaded joints shall be avoided: Provided that wherever it is not practicable to avoid a threaded joint, a factor of safety not less than 15 shall be ensured. (4) All cage chains in general use and all other parts of suspension gear between the rope and the cage or other means of conveyance, including the detaching-hook, shall be taken apart, cleaned and carefully examined as to wear and tear (where necessary by gauging) and for rust and cracks, once at least in every six months, or if necessary, at shorter intervals. (5) The various parts shall be annealed or given other proper heat treatment in a proper furnace where the temperature could be controlled before being refitted:

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Provided that in the case of such chains or gear manufactured from a steel which is not liable to deterioration necessitating annealing or heat treatment, the Chief Inspector may by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, grant exemption from the carrying out of this operation: Provided further that detaching hooks used in sinking shafts shall be taken apart, cleaned and carefully examined once at least in every week and the shear pin replaced by a new one every time such examination is carried out. (6) Non-destructive testing shall also be adopted for testing of vital components of machinery, such as drum shafts, brake tie rods and suspension gears at regular intervals. Any harmful crack or flaw detected as a result of such tests shall be immediately reported to the Regional Inspector and use of such machinery or its components shall be discontinued forthwith. (7) Every detaching bell or plate used in connection with a safety-hook shall be examined, and the opening therein checked by calipers or gauges, once at least in every thirty days. (8) The operations and examination required under this sub-regulation shall be carried out by or under the supervision of the engineer or other competent person, who shall record the date and other particulars thereof in a bound paged book kept for the purpose, and shall sign and date the same. 97. Precautions after recapping, etc.- After every installation or recapping of a rope and after every renewal or refitting of any suspension gear, the engineer or other competent person shall, after the cages or other means of conveyance fully loaded with materials have made five trips up and down the working portion of the shaft, examine the cappel and other parts of the suspension gear to see that they are in proper working order and a report of every such examination shall be recorded in the book and shall be signed and dated by the persons making the examination. 98. Examination of winding equipment.(1) It shall be the duty of the engineer or other competent person to examine (a) once at least in every twenty four hours (i) the attachment of the winding rope to the drum, the depth indicator, every part of the suspension gear in the shaft, including cages or other means of conveyance and their gates, and every external part of the winding apparatus, upon the proper working of which the safety of persons depends; and the brakes of the winding engines; (b) once at least in every seven days, (i) each winding rope, by passing the rope at a speed not exceeding one meter per second; and the external parts of the winding engine, the guides and the signalling arrangements fitted in a shaft; (c) once at least in every thirty days, every winding rope, by passing the rope at a speed not exceeding 0.5 metre per second and the rope shall be cleaned of any encrusted dirt and grease at all places particularly liable to deterioration and at other places, not more than 30 metres apart throughout the length, and any reduction in the circumference of the rope and the superficial condition of the wires as to wear, corrosion, brittleness and fracture at every such place shall be noted; and (d) once at least in every twelve months, the winding engine as to the condition of its internal parts. (2) A report of every examination under sub-regulation (1) shall be recorded in a bound paged book kept for the purpose, duly signed and dated by the person who made the examination and countersigned and dated by the engineer, or where there is no duly qualified engineer, by the manger. (3) If on any examination made, there is discovered any weakness or defect by which the safety of persons may be endangered, such weakness or defect shall be immediately reported in writing to the engineer or other competent person and to the manager until such weakness or defect is remedied. 99. Gates and fences.(1) At the top of every shaft or winze and at every inset which is in use, there shall be provided suitable gates or fences which shall effectively close the openings into the shaft at all times when a cage or other means of conveyance is not at the top or the inset and every such gate at the top of a shaft or winze shall be self-operating. (2) At every landing where it is necessary for persons to pass from one side of the shaft to the other, an adequate bypass shall be provided for enabling them to do so without entering or crossing the shaft and every bypass so provided shall be not less than 1.8 metres high and 1.2 metres wide, and shall be kept clear of all obstructions. (3) No person shall enter or cross, or be permitted to enter or cross the exposed space at the bottom of any working shaft except for the purpose of entering or leaving a cage or other means of conveyance or for undertaking an examination, repair or any other work therein; and no person shall be allowed to work in any such space unless the cages or other means of conveyance, if any, have been stopped and adequate precautions have been taken for the protection of such person. 100. Duties of persons riding or working in shafts.(1) No person shall get on or off a cage or other means of conveyance after the same has been signalled to be set in motion or leave it until it has reached the appointed stopping place; nor shall any person ride on the top or edge of any cage or other means of conveyance except when engaged in an examination, repair or any other work in the shaft. (2) Every person, when at or about the top or bottom of a shaft or any inset, shall obey the lawful orders and directions of the banksman or bellman, as the case may be. (3) No person shall carry out any examination, repair or other work in any shaft while winding operations are being carried on; and no winding shall be carried on or permitted while persons are engaged in such examination, repair or work, except where winding is necessary for the same. (4) The person in immediate charge of any examination, repair or work in any shaft shall warn the banksman and the winding engineman that such examination, repair or work is about to be undertaken. (5) Every person while engaged in any examination, repair or other work in a shaft shall be accompanied by at least one other person; and all such persons shall be provided with safety belts of a type approved by Chief Inspectors and effectively protected against the risk of falling. (6) Every person engaged in carrying out an examination, repair or other work in a shaft shall be protected by a suitable covering from objects falling from above and every such person shall also be provided with a protective hat; and shall wear the same when so engaged. 101. General Precautions.(1) No unauthorised person shall enter or be allowed, in a winding engine room. (2) No adolescent shall descend or ascend a shaft in a cage or other means of conveyance unless accompanied by one or more adult male. * * * * * * * * * * * *

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CHAPTER IX HAULAGE
102. Haulage roadways.- Every length of roadway in a mine where materials are transported in tubs by means of gravity or mechanical power shall(a) be of adequate dimensions and, as far as practicable, shall be straight and of regular gradient; and (b) have tracks properly laid with rails having at least 15 kg/metre section for general purpose and suitable heavier section where the gradient steeper than 1 in 6 or where mine cars of capacity higher than 1.5 m3 are in use. (2) Pulleys, sheaves and rollers that alter the direction of a rope shall be securely fixed. (3) No person shall guide or adjust a moving rope on to a drum, pulley, sheave or roller except with a lever or other proper appliance. (4) Material for use in mine haulage tracks and standards in respect of construction, layout and inspection of haulage tracks shall be in accordance with the guidelines notified by the Chief Inspector from time to time. (5) Where haulage is effected by one or more ropes, there shall be provided and maintained-(a) at the top of every inclined plane, at least one stop-block or other effective contrivance to arrest tubs from running or moving out of control; (b) at least one run way switch or other effective contrivance below the first stop-block or other effective contrivance at a distance greater than the length of a set or train of tubs: Provided that such distance shall not exceed the length of a set or train of tubs by more than 10 metres: Provided further that where the Regional Inspector, by an order in writing so requires, the stop-block and the switch or other effective contrivance aforesaid shall be so inter-coupled that they do not remain simultaneously ineffective; (c) an attachment, behind an ascending tub or set or train of tubs, of a back-stay, drag or other suitable contrivance for preventing the tub, set or train of tubs running back: Provided that where an endless rope or chain is used, the provisions of this clause shall be deemed to be satisfied if suitable automatic catches or other effective contrivance are provided at suitable intervals along the track to prevent the ascending tubs running back; Provided further that the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, grant exemption from the operation of this clause on grounds that compliance with the provisions thereof are not reasonably practicable; (d) safety hooks, jazz-rails or other suitable contrivances to prevent runaway in the forward direction; (e) tub re-railers at intervals of not more than 250 metres: Provided that where a tub is re-railed manually, it shall either be detached from the rope or ropes or the haulage engine which works the rope shall be stopped; (f) on every haulage roadway exceeding 30 metres in length, effective means of transmitting signal from every stopping place on the roadway to the place at which the machinery working the rope is operated. All signals shall be transmitted by mechanical or electrical means: Provided that the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing, require means of transmitting signals in the reverse direction also; (g) if any doubt arises as to whether any means of transmitting signal is effective or not, it shall be referred to the Chief Inspector for decision. (6) The following code of signals shall be used and strictly observed, namely:ONE RAP : STOP when in motion TWO RAPS : LOWER or haul in slowly THREE RAPS : START when at rest FOUR RAPS : RAISE or haul out slowly, any other signals shall be in addition to, and shall not interfere with, the foregoing. (7) A printed copy of the code of signals under sub-regulation (6), including additional signals, if any, shall be posted prominently at the place in which the machinery that works the rope is operated and at all regular stopping places along the roadway. (8) No person other than a competent person or an official shall give any signal. (9) Where in any mine belowground, a system of haulage roadway (and conveyors, if any) extends to a distance of more than 300 metres from the shaft or the entrance to the mine, efficient telephonic communication shall be provided and maintained between the end of every such system and the bottom and top of the shaft or the entrance to the mine as the case may be: Provided that where travelling is unduly arduous, the telephonic communication between the end of every such system and the bottom and top of the shaft or the entrance to the mine or in any other case as may be specified by the Regional Inspector shall be provided and maintained. (10) Where telephones or electrical signals are provided,(a) adequate precautions shall be taken to prevent signal and telephone wires coming into contact with other cables and electrical apparatus; (b) signal wires shall be supported on insulators, and shall not be energised at more than 30 volts; (c) contact makers shall be so constructed as to prevent accidental closing of the circuit; and (d) in every mine or part thereof, all signaling or telephonic communication circuit shall be constructed, installed, protected, operated and maintained in such a manner as be intrinsically safe. (11) At places where telephone receivers are installed or where signals and safety contrivances are regularly operated, every person using the telephone or operating any such signal or safety contrivance shall be afforded adequate protection against tubs moving out of control. (12) Where any person is allowed to work or pass while the haulage is in motion, manholes for refuge shall be provided at intervals of not more than 10 metres: Provided that where the gradient is less than 1 in 6 such manholes may be provided at intervals of not more than 20 metres. (13) Manholes shall be not less than 1.8 metres in height and 1.2 metres in depth, and not less than 0.75 metres but not more than one metre in width: Provided that where the roadway is less than 1.8 metres in height, the manholes may be made to the full height of the roadway:

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Provided further that, the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such condition as he may specify therein, permit the use of manholes or cross-roadways other than haulage roadways, of dimensions larger than those aforesaid. (14) Where there are serious practical difficulties in providing manholes of the interval and the dimension specified in subregulations (12) and (13), the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, permit manholes to be at greater intervals or of other dimensions. (15) Every manhole shall be kept clean and clear of obstruction, and white washed both inside and for a distance of not less than 0.3 metres around the aperture. (16) As far as practicable, all manholes shall be provided on one side of the haulage roadway. (17) Except where haulage is effected by means of an endless rope or chain, whenever the haulage rope is in motion, every person on the haulage roadway shall take shelter in a manhole. (18) The manager shall, by an order in writing, in respect of every haulage road or roadway, fix the maximum number of tubs, according as to whether they are loaded or not loaded, that may be coupled together to run as a set or train and a notice specifying the number of tubs so fixed shall be posted prominently at the top and at all regular stopping places of the haulage road or roadway. (19) At all places where tubs are coupled or uncoupled, there shall be a clear space of not less than one metre (a) between, the tubs and one side of the roadway; and (b) where there are two or more tracks also between the adjacent tracks. (20) When any roadway or face is in direct line with a haulage track and persons may be exposed to danger from runaway tubs, a strong buffer or other effective contrivance to prevent such danger shall be provided and maintained. (21) A stop-block or other effective contrivance shall be provided near the entrance of every tramming roadway branching off the main haulage road or roadway, and on every track which slopes towards a shaft. 103. Travelling roadways.(1) Separate travelling roadways, in the intake airways for persons to travel to and from their working places shall be provided: Provided that where a separate traveling roadway cannot be provided and persons have to travel along a part of haulage roadway, the following precautions shall be taken, namely:(a) there shall be provided and maintained effective two way means of transmitting signals between the two ends of the part of the roadway where persons may travel; (b) the manager shall fix specific periods for traveling; and notices specifying these periods shall be posted prominently at the top and bottom of and also at all regular stopping places along the haulage roadway; (c) any person who of necessity has to travel along the roadway outside the period fixed for traveling shall not be allowed to do so unless and until a special signal has been given to the haulage engineman; (d) inexperienced persons shall not be permitted to travel the roadway or part unless accompanied by an experienced person: Provided further that where the travelling roadways cannot be made in the intake air way, the matter shall be brought to the notice of the Regional Inspector who may permit in writing, the use of travelling roadways other than in intake airways subject to the such conditions as he may specify therein. (2) Every such travelling roadway shall (a) be not less than 1.8 metres high throughout; (b) where the inclination exceeds 30 degrees from the horizontal, be provided with suitable steps or ladders; (c) where the inclination exceeds 45 degrees from the horizontal, be provided, in addition to steps or ladders, with hand rails or ropes so as to ensure safe travel; (d) where the inclination exceeds 60 degrees from the horizontal, be provided, in addition to the steps or ladders and rails or ropes, with suitable platforms at intervals not exceeding 10 metres measured along the slope; (e) be provided with effective means of telecommunication facilities at suitable places; and (f) be provided with adequate number of digital display boards and communication ports through which any important message or information can be easily transmitted or broadcasted to persons working belowground or passing thereby. (3) Except for purposes of inspection, examination or repair, every person other than an official or a haulage attendant shall travel by the travelling roadway. (4) Where persons using a travelling roadway have to cross a conveyor or a haulage worked by mechanical means or gravity, a suitable cross-over or cross-under bridge or other suitable device approved in writing by the Regional Inspector shall be provided. (5) No haulage shall be used for the general conveyance of persons except with the permission in writing of the Chief Inspector and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein. (6) In case the traveling distance from the incline mouth or pit bottom exceeds one kilometer or the traveling is arduous, the owner, agent and manager shall provide suitable man-riding arrangement as approved by the Chief Inspector. 104. Tubs and their movement.(1) On every tub there shall be provided and maintained at each coupling end a strong buffer projecting beyond the end and so arranged that when two such tubs are in tandem, the gap between the innermost ends shall not be less than 20 centimeters. (2) On every side-tipping tub in use, safety-catches shall be provided to prevent accidental tipping and no tub or set or train of tubs shall be set in motion unless all the safety catches are properly secured. (3) The attachment between a rope or locomotive and a tub or set or train of tubs and the attachment between any two tubs in a set or train, shall be of a type approved in writing by the Chief Inspector by a general or special order and so maintained as to obviate accidental disconnection. (4) The state of every buffer and drawbar of every tub in use and of every safety-catch, coupling-chain and other attachment shall be examined once at least in every fourteen days, by a competent person appointed for the purpose and a report of every such examination shall be recorded in a bound paged book kept for the purpose, duly signed and dated by the person who made the examination. (5) Each component of coupling shall have factor of safety of not less than 7 in relation to maximum static load which shall be ensured by testing at an interval not exceeding 3 years and record thereof shall be maintained.

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(6) When tubs are about to be moved, persons likely to be endangered shall be warned. (7) Two or more tubs shall not be moved by hand in close succession but shall be coupled and moved together: Provided that two tubs shall be deemed to be in close succession when the distance between them at any time in less than 10 metres. (8) No person shall cause or permit a tub to run uncontrolled except with the written permission of the manager: Provided that the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing, prohibit the uncontrolled movement of tubs at any place if he is of the opinion that such movement is likely to cause danger. (9) No person while taking a tub down a gradient exceeding 1 in 20, shall go in front of the tub; and in every case where conditions are such that a person cannot control the tub from behind, he shall not take the tub down unless sprags or other suitable contrivances are used to control it. (10) Where required for use, a sufficient number of sprags of suitable material and dimensions shall be provided. (11) Every tub while standing on a track having a gradient of more than 1 in 20 shall unless held effectively by brakes or securely coupled to a haulage rope or locomotive, be effectively blocked, chained or otherwise secured. (12) Except where haulage is effected by means of an endless rope, the coupling and uncoupling to tubs shall as far as practicable, be done only when the tub or set of the tubs, and the rope if connected to the set is not in motion. (13) tubs shall not be coupled or uncoupled on a gradient. (14) No person shall ride on any tub or haulage rope. 105. Brakes of haulage engines.- Every haulage engine shall be provided with an effective brake. 106. Haulage ropes.- (1) No rope shall be used for purposes of haulage if it has any serious visible defect over any length and its factor of safety is less than 8. (2) Every rope which is capped shall be recapped once at least in every six months, and if necessary, at shorter intervals, under the supervision of a competent person. (3) For every haulage rope in use, a record of size, construction, quality, name of supplier, and dates of installation and of recapping, shall be kept in a bound paged book kept for the purpose, and all entries therein shall be made by the competent person who shall sign the same and date his signature. 107. Protection at loading chutes.- Every chute where tubes are loaded shall be provided with suitable gates for holding back the column of material. 108. Roadway Conveyors.- (1) Every roadway conveyor shall be so installed that (a) between the conveyor and one side of the roadway, there is a travelling space free from obstruction not less than one metre wide; (b) the conveyor or any part thereof does not scrape against wooden props or supports; (c) the anchoring of the return station of the conveyor is independent of the face or roadway support; (d) in case a number of belt conveyors are used in series safety fittings such as sequential control and sequential interlock shall be provided; and (e) it can be stopped from any place along the entire length of the conveyor by providing a pull cord switch or any other system, approved in writing by the Chief Inspector. (2) Where the inclination of the conveyor is such as to give rise to danger from sliding objects or material suitable devices shall be used to provide adequate protection against such danger. (3) On every length of roadway in which a conveyor is installed for transporting loads over a distance exceeding 30 metres, there shall be provided and maintained effective means of transmitting signals from every point on the length of the road to the place at which the machinery working the conveyor is operated: Provided that the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing, require means of transmitting signals in the reserve direction also. (4) The conveyor operator or the cabin or place from where the conveyor(s) is (are) operated shall be provided with an effective means of telecommunication along with broadcasting facilities through which the operator can communicate to any person present in the conveyor roadway at any place of the installation and such system of telecommunication shall have facilities of both way communications. (5) Audio-visual type pre-start warning alarm of the type and standard approved by the Chief Inspector shall also be provided in the entire length of the roadway conveyor so as to warn persons of imminent dangers due to starting of the belt conveyor. (6) The manager of the mine shall formulate and enforce a code of practice for safe installation, operation, maintenance and use of belt conveyor belowground including extension of belt conveyor and shifting it from one place in the mine to another and submit the Regional Inspector at least thirty days before the commencement of the installation of the belt conveyor belowground and the Regional Inspector may at any time by an order in writing require such modification in the code of practice as he may think fit in the interest of safety. (7) In case the belt conveyor is intended for the purpose of man riding the manager of the mine shall formulate a separate code of practice for safe installation, operation, maintenance and use of the belt conveyor for the said purpose in a specified location in the mine and shall submit the same to the Regional Inspector at least ninety days before the commencement of the installation of the said belt conveyor seeking permission for the said use and the Regional Inspector may at any time by an order in writing modify or revoke such permission as he may think fit in the interest of safety of persons using the same. (8) The manager and engineer shall be responsible for implementation of the code of practice. (9) Adequate arrangement shall be provided in the belt conveyor to ensure that it gets automatically stopped,(a) in case of excessive friction between the belt and the drum, roller, scrapper, deflectors, guides or any other obstruction caused either due to spillage or otherwise; (b) in case of breakage of the belt; and (c) in case of fire or heating in the belt conveyor or in the vicinity thereof. 109. Examination of haulage engines and track etc.(1) It shall be the duty of a competent person to examine carefully (a) once at least in every twenty-four hours, every haulage engine, brake-wheel, rope and other appliance in use; and (b) once at least in every seven days, every track where the haulage is effected by means of mechanical power or gravity, and every safety contrivance fitted thereon. (2) A report of every such examination shall be recorded in a bound paged book kept for the purpose, duly signed and dated by the person who made the examination. 110. Examination of haulage and travelling roadways. - It shall be the duty of the mine foreman or other competent person to examine carefully, once at least in every seven days, the state of all haulage and travelling roads and roadways,

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including roadways leading to all the outlets of the mine which are in use and a report of every such examination shall be recorded in a bound paged book kept for the purpose, duly signed and dated by the person who made the examination. 111. Locomotives.(1) No locomotive shall be used belowground otherwise than in accordance with the permission in writing of the Chief Inspector and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein. (2) No locomotive shall be used where the gradient of the track exceeds 1 in 15. (3) No person other than the driver shall ride on any locomotive unless authorised in writing to do so by the manager. (4) Except during shunting operations, the locomotive shall lead the tubs or set or train of tubs. 112. Roads for trucks and dumpers.(1) The design, construction, materials and layout of the haul roads shall be made in accordance with the standards and parameters required for the load and speed of the vehicles plying thereon which shall be approved in writing by the Chief Inspector. (2) All roads for trucks, dumpers or other mobile machinery shall be designed, constructed and maintained in such condition as to be fit for their use. (3) Except with the express permission of the Chief Inspector in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, no road shall have a gradient steeper than 1 in 16 at any place. (4) Where practicable, all roads from the opencast working shall be arranged to provide for one-way traffic and where this is not practicable, no road shall be of a width less than three times the width of the largest vehicle plying on that road, unless, definite turnouts and waiting points are designated. (5) All corners and bends in road shall be made in such a way that the operators and drivers of vehicles have a clear view for a distance not less than 30 metres along the road: Provided that where it is not possible to ensure visibility for a distance of 30 metres, there shall be provided two roads for the incoming and outgoing traffic or an alternative system: Provided further that adoption of any alternative system shall be intimated to the Regional Inspector in writing. (6) Standard traffic signs shall be displayed at conspicuous places along the haul road. (7) Road surface shall as far as practicable be maintained smooth and of sufficient strength. (8) All roads shall be provided with side drains to prevent water logging and damage to the road. (9) In case of ramps over small stretches, a gradient not steeper than 1 in 10 shall be provided. (10) Where any road exists above the level of the surrounding area, it shall be provided with strong parapet wall or embankment with a height of not less than half the diameter of the wheel of the largest dumper or other vehicle plying or one meter, whichever is greater and of adequate width to prevent any vehicle from getting off the road. (11) The portion of roads where there is heavy traffic of men and machine shall have separate lane properly fenced off from haul road for use by pedestrians and two wheelers. (12) Loaded trucks, dumpers or other vehicles shall not be reversed on gradient. (13) A berm of height at least half the diameter of the wheel of the largest dumper plying or one meter whichever is greater and of adequate width is constantly provided and maintained at the edge of every discharge point like dump yard, crusher, etc. (14) Sufficient number of stop blocks shall be provided at every discharge point and it shall be used on every occasion material is dumped from the truck, dumper or other such vehicle. (15) The manager shall formulate traffic rules for movement of trucks, dumpers or other vehicles which shall be prominently displayed at the relevant places in the opencast working and truck or dumper roads. (16) No person shall be permitted to work on the chassis of truck, dumper or other vehicles with the body in a rest position until after the truck or dumper body has been securely blocked in position as the mechanical hoist mechanism alone shall not be dependent upon to hold the body of the truck, dumper or other vehicles, in raised position. (17) Separate roads shall be provided for small vehicles. (18) Only authorised small vehicles shall be allowed in opencast working which have a raised red flag in day time and a red light in the night which shall be visible to a dumper operator from a distance of at least 30 metres. (19) All heavy earth moving machinery including light motor vehicle permitted to ply on the haul road shall be provided with flasher lights on top, indicator lights in front and rear sides of the vehicle as approved by the Chief Inspector. (20) Rear view mirror, Anti-Collision and Proximity Detection Device of a standard and type approved by the Chief Inspector shall be installed on every Heavy Earth Moving Machinery. 113. Movement of wagons.(1) No adolescent shall be employed in moving railway wagons. (2) The movement of railway wagons shall be carried on under the supervision of a competent male person who shall himself control the brake. (3) Before wagons are moved, persons likely to be endangered shall be warned by the competent persons appointed under sub-regulation (2). (4) No person shall move or attempt to move a wagon by pushing at the buffer, or by pulling from in front. (5) Where two or more wagons are moved simultaneously, the wagons shall be coupled together which shall be moved only by pushing the sides or from behind the last wagon and the number shall not exceed the number which can be effectively controlled (6) No locomotive or wagon shall be moved when the natural light is insufficient, unless the approaching end is distinguished by a suitable light or is accompanied by a person carrying a lamp. (7) No person, other than the competent person referred to in-sub-regulation (2), shall pass immediately in front of wagons moving under bins or screens, nor between moving wagons and the under-structure of the bins or screens. (8) No person shall be upon the buffer of a locomotive or wagon in motion unless there is a secure hand-hold, or stand thereon unless there is also a secure footplate. (9) No person shall pass over the coupling between any two wagons while the wagons are moving. (10) No person shall cross a line of rails by crawling or passing underneath a train or wagon, nor shall a person sit or sleep underneath a wagon. (11) Wherever railway wagons are specially placed so as to afford a thoroughfare, such thoroughfare shall be not less than five metres in width. (12) No material shall be placed or dumped within 1.2 metres from either side of a track of rails. (13) All space between the rails at switches and crossings, in which the foot of a person is liable to be caught, shall, where possible, be kept filled with concrete, tar, asphalt, or wooden blocks.

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114. Fencings and gates.(1) Where any haulage road, tramline, rail line or haul road passes over a public road, suitable gates shall be provided to prevent danger to public from a moving tub, set or train of tubs, locomotive or machinery and every such gate shall be fitted with a danger signal, and when the natural light is insufficient, also with warning lamps. (2) Where occupied buildings are situated within 15 metres of any haulage road, tramline, rail line or haul road, a substantial fence shall be provided and maintained between such buildings and the haulage road, tramline, rail line or haul road. * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012

CHAPTER - X MINE WORKING

115. (1) Safety management plan.The owner, agent and manager of every mine shall(a) identify the hazards to health and safety of the persons employed at the mine to which they may be exposed while at work; (b) assess the risks to health and safety to which all employees may be exposed while they are at work; (c) record the significant hazards identified and risks assessed; (d) make those records available for inspection by the employees; and (e) follow an appropriate process for identification of the hazards and assessment of risks. (2) The owner, agent and manager of every mine, after consulting the safety committee of the mine and Internal Safety Organisation, shall determine all measures necessary to(a) eliminate any recorded risk; (b) control the risk at source; (c) minimize the risk; and (d) in so far as the risk remains, (i) provide for personal protective equipment; and (ii) institute a program to monitor the risk to which employees may be exposed. (3) Based on the identified hazards and risks, every owner, agent and manager of mine shall prepare an auditable document called Safety Management Plan that forms part of the overall management and includes organisational structure, planning activities, responsibilities, practices, procedures, processes and resources for developing, implementing, achieving, reviewing and maintaining a safety and health policy of a company. (4) It shall be the duty of the owner, agent and manager to implement the measures determined necessary and contained in the Safety Management Plan for achieving the objectives set out in sub-regulation (2) in the order in which the measures are listed in the said sub-regulation. (5) The Safety Management Plan shall contain(a) defined mine safety and health policy of the company; (b) a plan to implement the policy; (c) how the mine or mines intend to develop capabilities to achieve the policy; (d) principal hazard management plans; (e) standard operating procedures; (f) ways to measure, monitor and evaluate performance of the safety management plan, correct matters that do not conform with the safety management plan; (g) a plan to regularly review and continually improve the safety management plan; (h) a plan to review the safety management plan if significant changes occur and (i) details of involvement of mine workers in their development and application. (6) The owner, agent and manager of every mine shall periodically review the hazards identified and risks assessed, to determine whether further elimination, control and minimization of risk is possible and consult with the safety Board of the review. (7) The owner, agent or manager of every mine shall submit a copy of the Safety Management Plan to the Regional Inspector who may, at any time by an order in writing, require such modifications in the plan as he may specify therein. (8) The owner, agent and manager of every mine shall be responsible for effective implementation of the Safety Management Plan. 116. (a) Manual opencast working.- In manual opencast working, the following precautions shall be observed, namely: In alluvial soil, morum gravel, clay, debris or other similar ground (i) the sides shall be sloped at an angle of safety not exceeding 45 degrees from the horizontal or such other angle as the Regional Inspector may permit by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein; or (ii) the sides shall be kept benched and the height of any bench shall not exceed 1.5 metres and the breadth thereof shall not be less than the height: Provided that the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, exempt from the operation of this clause any working in the case of which special difficulties exist, which in his opinion make compliance with the provisions thereof not reasonably practicable; (b) where any pillar is left in situ for the purpose of measurement, its height shall no t exceed 2.5 metres; and where the height of such pillar exceeds 1.25 metres, the base of the pillar shall not be less than 1.5 metres in diameter; (c) in ore body, the sides shall either be kept sloped at an angle of safety not exceeding 45 degree from the horizontal, or the sides shall be kept benched and the height of any bench shall not exceed three metres and the width thereof shall not be less than the height: Provided that the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, exempt from the operations of this sub-regulation any working, in the case of which special difficulties exist which in his opinion make compliance with the provisions thereof not reasonably practicable; (d) where float or other similar deposit is worked by manual means on a sloping face, the face shall be benched and the sides shall be sloped at an angle of not more than 60 degrees from the horizontal and the height of any bench shall not exceed six metres and the breadth thereof shall not be less than the height: Provided that where the ore-body consists of comparatively hard and compact rock, the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing an subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, permit the height of the bench to be increased up to 7.5 metres while its width is not less than six metres : Provided further that in case of a mine or part where special difficulties exist, the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing an subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, relax the provisions of this sub-regulation. (e) In an excavation in any hard and compact ground or in prospecting trenches or pits, the sides shall be adequately benched, slopped or secured so as to prevent danger from fall of sides: Provided that the height of the bench shall not exceed six metres.

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(f) no tree, loose stone or debris shall unless otherwise permitted in writing by the Chief Inspector be allowed to remain within a distance of three metres from the edge or side of the excavation. (g) no person shall undercut any face or side or cause or permit such undercutting as to cause any overhanging. 117. Mechanised opencast working.- In all mechanised opencast working, the following precautions shall be observed, namely :(a) before starting a mechanized opencast working, design of the pit, including method of working and ultimate pit slope shall be planned and designed as determined by a scientific study and a copy of the report of such study shall be kept available in the office of the mine: Provided that in case of mines where such a study has not been made, it shall be the responsibility of the owner or agent to get the aforesaid study made within one year from the date of coming into force of these regulations; (b) the height of the benches in overburden consisting of alluvium or other soft soil shall not exceed 5 metres and the width thereof shall not be less than three times the height of the bench and the height of the benches in overburden of other rock formation shall not be more than the designed reach of the excavation machine in use for digging, excavation or removal; (c) the width of any bench shall not be less than (i) the width of the widest machine plying on the bench plus two metres, or (ii) if dumpers ply on the bench, three times the width of the dumper, or (iii) the height of the bench, whichever is more; (d) notwithstanding anything contained in clauses (a) ,(b) and (c), the Chief Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, require or permit the height and width of benches be less than or more than aforesaid. 118. Reclamation.- All excavations made by opencast mining shall be suitably reclaimed by back filling or by any other means. 119. Spoil-banks and dumps.(1) While removing overburden, the top soil shall be stacked at a separate place, so that, the same is used to cover the reclaimed area. (2) The slope of a spoil bank shall be determined by the natural angle of repose of the material being deposited, but shall in no case exceed 37.5 degrees from the horizontal and such spoil bank shall not be retained by artificial means at an angle in excess of natural angle of repose or 37.5 degrees, whichever is less. (3) Loose overburden and other such material from opencast working or from other source shall be dumped in such a manner that there is no possibility of dumped material sliding. (4) The bank of any spoil dump on the level ground exceeding 30m in height shall be benched so that no bench exceeds 30m in height and the overall slope shall not exceed 1 vertical to 1.5 horizontal. (5) The toe of a spoil-bank shall not be extended to any point within 50m of a mine opening or, from the edge of opencast working; railway or other public works, public road or building or other permanent structure not belonging to the owner. (6) A suitable fence shall be erected between any railway or public works or road or building or structure not belonging to the owner and the toe of an active spoil bank so as to prevent unauthorised persons from approaching the spoil-bank. (7) No person shall approach or shall be permitted to approach the toe of an active spoil bank where he may be endangered from material sliding or rolling down the face. (8) Adequate precautions shall be taken to prevent failure of the slopes of the spoil banks or dumps. 120. Transport rules.(1) The manager of every mine shall frame and enforce a code of transport rules with due regard to the size and capacity of the transportation machinery in use and prevailing local conditions and a copy of the same shall be submitted to the Regional Inspector, who may at any time, by an order in writing require such modifications in the transport rules as he may specify therein: Provided that in mines where such machinery are already in use, the aforesaid transport rules shall be framed and enforced within a period of ninety days of the date of coming into force of these regulations. (2) The Manager shall hand over copies of the transport rules to all supervisory officials concerned including the assistant managers and shall also post such copies at all conspicuous places in the mine in language(s) comprehensible by the workers. (3) The manager and such supervising officials shall each be responsible for securing effective compliances with the provisions of the transport rules, and no mine or part of a mine shall be worked in contravention thereof. 121. Codes of practice.(1) The manager of every mine shall, before commissioning of any excavation or drilling machinery, other than hand held drills, frame and enforce a code of practice for every type of machinery to be used in the mine. (2) The codes of practice shall be framed with due regard to the type, size and capacity of the machinery in use and prevailing local conditions and a copy of the same shall be submitted to the Regional Inspector, who may at any time, by an order in writing require such modifications in the codes as he may specify therein: Provided that in mines where such machinery are already in use, the aforesaid codes of practice shall be framed and enforced within a period of ninety days of the date of coming into force of these regulations. (3) The codes of practice shall cover(a) examination and testing of the machinery before first use after installation, re-installation, modification, alteration or repair; (b) schedule and nature of examination and testing of the machine, including its subassemblies, so as to ensure its safe operation; (c) the manner in which the records of examination shall be kept. (4) A copy of the codes of practice framed under this regulation shall always be kept in the office of the mine. 122. Underground working.- In every mine worked by a system of working below ground, the following provisions shall have effect, namely: (a) unless otherwise permitted by the Regional Inspector by an order in writing and subject to such condition as he may specify therein, the height of every main drive shall not be less than 1.8 metres; (b) the dimensions of pillars or blocks formed in any vein, load, reef or mineral bed or deposit shall be such as to ensure stability of the working during the development and stopping stages and between such stages; (c) no extraction or splitting or reduction of pillars or blocks of minerals shall be commenced, conducted or carried out except with the prior permission in writing of the Chief Inspector and in accordance with such conditions as he may specify therein;

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(d) an application for such permission referred in clause (c) shall be accompanied by an up-to-date plan of the area where the pillars or blocks of mineral are proposed to be extracted or reduced, showing the proposed extent of extraction or reduction, the manner in which such extraction or reduction is proposed to be carried out, the thickness and other characteristics of the mineral deposit, the rate and direction of general dip and of the pitch of the vein, the nature of hangwall, and footwall, the stopping width, the depth of the working, and such other particulars as the Chief Inspector may require and a copy of the application and the plan shall simultaneously be sent to the Regional Inspector; (e) the operations of extraction, splitting and reduction of pillars or blocks of mineral shall be commenced, conducted or carried out in such a manner as to prevent, as far as possible, the extension of a collapse in the stopped-out area over-riding the pillars or blocks of minerals that have not been extracted. (f) nothing in clause (c) shall prevent the splitting or reduction of any pillar or block of mineral bed or deposit where, in the opinion of the manager such work is necessary for haulage, ventilation, drainage or any other purpose necessary for the proper working of the mine, if fourteen days previous notice in writing of the intention to commence such work has been given to the Regional Inspector and every such notice shall be accompanied by an offset plan showing details of the operation: Provided that if in the opinion of the Regional Inspector such work is likely to endanger the stability of the working, he may, by an order in writing, require the completion, before commencing such drivage or enlargement, of such protective works as he may specify therein. (g) proper provision shall be made to prevent the premature collapse of workings and adequate steps shall be taken to isolate, control or remedy any such collapse which may occur. 123. Powers of Inspectors.(1) If in any mine or part thereof, it appears to the Regional Inspector that the provisions of regulations 115, 116 and 121 or of any order issued under any of these regulations have not been complied with, he may give notice in writing to the owner, agent or manager requiring him to take such protective measures, within such time as he may specify in the notice. (2) In case of non-compliance with the requirements of the notice, the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing, prohibit the employment of any person until the requirements specified in the notice are complied with to his satisfaction, in the part or parts of the mine in which protective measures are required to be taken. 124. Pointing out contraventions during inspections. (1) If the Chief Inspector or an Inspector, during his inspection of any mine, finds or comes to know of any contravention of any provisions of Act or the regulations, rules, bylaws or orders made thereunder, he shall enter such contravention in an inter leafed paged and bound register kept for the purpose at the mine, in Form VI and shall also point out such contravention to the owner, agent or manager, if present on the spot. (2) The Chief Inspector or the Inspector making the entry in the register under sub-regulation (1) shall duly sign such entries with date, and take a carbon copy of the entries for his record: Provided that the Chief Inspector or the Inspector need not enter such contraventions which require confirmation after a survey or other further examination and he may subsequently intimate the owner, agent or manager, specifying the contraventions, if confirmed, and also any other contraventions which were, by inadvertence, not entered in the register aforesaid: Provided further that an entry made in the register or the absence of any entry therein as also a communication in pursuance of the first proviso or absence thereof shall not, in any way, limit the duties or obligations of a person under the Act or the regulations, rules, bye-laws or orders made thereunder. (3) When an entry is made in the register (a) the owner, agent and manager shall each be deemed to know the entry; and (b) a copy thereof shall be displayed within three days of the date of such entry on the notice Board of the mine for not less than fifteen days. (4) The owner, agent or manager of the mine shall return one copy, within a period not exceeding fifteen days from the date of the entry, to the Chief Inspector or the Inspector who made the entry with remarks thereon showing the action taken to remedy the contravention and the date on which such action was taken. (5) The register (a) shall be kept available for inspection in the office at the mine for a period of at least three years after the date of making of the last entry therein; and (b) shall not be removed therefrom before the expiry of the said period except by or with the approval in writing of the Inspector. 125. Working under railways and roads, etc.(1) No working shall be made and no work of extraction or reduction of pillars shall be conducted at, or extended to, any point within 45 metres of any railway, or of any public works in respect of which this regulation is applicable by reason of any general or special order of the Central Government, or of any public road or building, or of other permanent structure not belonging to the owner of the mine, without the prior permission in writing of the Chief Inspector and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein. (2) Every application for permission under sub-regulation (1) shall specify the position of the working of the mine in relation to the railway or public road or works or building or structure concerned, the manner in which it is proposed to carry out the intended operations, and the limits to which it is proposed to carry out the said operations; and shall be accompanied by two copies of a plan showing the existing and the intended mining operations in so far as they affect the railway or public road or works or building or structure concerned. (3) A copy of the application shall also be sent in the case of a railway, to the railway administration concerned; and in the case of any public works as aforesaid, in such authority as the Central Government may by general or special order direct. (4) Notwithstanding anything contained in these regulations, the stability of such railway, road, works, building or structure shall not be endangered until it has been dismantled, diverted or vacated, as the case may be. (5) Where the stability of such railway, road, works, buildings or structure has been endangered due to any mining operations, the Chief Inspector may, by an order, in writing, require the owner to construct in the mine belowground or on the surface such protective works within such time as he may specify in the order. 126. Protective works before a mine is closed.(1) The Chief Inspector may, by an order in writing, require the owner of any mine to which regulation 6 applies, to construct in the mine belowground or on the surface such protective works within such time as he may specify therein.

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(2) If the owner fails to construct such protective works within the time specified in the order, the Chief Inspector may get the works executed by other agency, and the cost thereof, as certified by the Chief Inspector, shall be defrayed by the owner of the mine and recoverable from him as an arrear of land revenue. (3) Until the protective works have been constructed to the satisfaction of the Chief Inspector, the means of entering the mine at not less than two entrances, shall be kept intact and in working order. 127. Working near mine boundaries.(1) The owner, agent or manager of every mine shall have fixed boundaries of the mine and notwithstanding anything contained in sub-regulation (2), these shall not be changed except with the permission of the Chief Inspector in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein. (2) No working shall be made within a distance of 7.5 metres of the boundary of any mine and, in case of a disputed boundary, no working shall be made within a distance of 7.5 metres of the boundary claimed by the owner of an adjacent mine until such time as a binding agreement has been reached as to the correct boundary or the question has been finally determined by a court of law: Provided that, where the working of any part of mine, for any reason, are extended or get extended within any shorter distance than what is laid down herein above, the Chief Inspector may, by an order in writing, require the owner to construct such protective works within such time as he may specify in the order. (3) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-regulation (1), the Chief Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, permit the working of any mine or part thereof to extend within any shorter distance than 7.5 metres aforesaid, or may require that the said working shall not extend further than a specified distance, not exceeding 60 metres, of such boundary. 128. Strata Control and Management Plan (SCAMP).(1) The owner, agent and manager of every underground mine, in consultation with a scientific and research organisation having experience and expertise in Strata Control, Rock Mechanics and Instrumentation, shall prepare, formulate and implement a Strata Control and Monitoring Plan (SCAMP) based on the geotechnical data, information and the method of development and extraction of mineral or the excavation required therefor, which shall be approved in writing by the Chief Inspector and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein. (2) The owner, agent or manager of every mine shall formulate a support plan to secure the roof and sides of belowground workplaces, hanging wall, footwall, etc., and which shall be subject to revision with change in condition, for all working belowground. (3) The owner, agent or manager of every mine having working below ground shall, before commencing any operation frame, with due regard to the engineering classification of strata, local geological conditions, system of work, mechanisation, and past experience, and enforce the support plan specifying in relation to each working place the type and specifications of supports and the intervals between: (i) supports on roadways including places where machinery is used for cutting, conveying or loading; (ii) each row of props, roof bolts or other supports; (iii) adjacent props, roof bolts or other supports in the same row; (iv) last row of supports and the face; (v) fore-poles or sprags; (vi) the pack and the face: Provided that, in respect of a mine where development operations are already in progress, the support plan shall be framed and enforced within a period of thirty days of the date of coming into force of these regulations. (4) The manager shall, at least thirty days before the commencement of any operation subject to the proviso to subregulation (2) submit a copy of the Support Plan to the Regional Inspector who may at any time, by an order in writing, require such modification in the Plan as he may specify therein. (5) The manager shall hand over copies of the support plan in English as well as in a local language understood by majority of the persons employed in the mine together with illustrative sketches, to all supervisory officials concerned including the assistant manager and shall also post such copies at all conspicuous places in the mine. (6) The manager and such supervising officials shall be responsible for securing effective compliance with the provisions of the support plan, and no mine or part of a mine shall be worked in contravention thereof. (7) The support plan shall include inter-alia system of, monitoring of the support performance, measurement of strata behaviour, re-setting of supports, provision of temporary support, replacement of old supports, withdrawal of supports and clearing of falls of ground. (8) The support plan shall also include the implementation strategy of the plan, training and inspection and supervision policies. (9) The owner, agent or manager shall formulate and implement a code of standing orders specifying (a) the system and the organisation for procurement and supply of supports of suitable material, adequate strength and in sufficient quantity where these are required to be readily available for use; (b) the method of handling including dismantling and assembling where necessary and transportation of the supports from the surface to the face and from the face line to their new site; (c) the system and the organisation for maintenance and checking of supports, dressing the roof and side, erecting, examining and re-tightening of supports and reerecting dislodged supports, including the use of appropriate tools; (d) the panel of competent persons for engagement as substitutes in the event of a regular supportsman or dresser absenting from duty; and (e) the manner of making all concerned persons such as loaders, dressers, supportsmen, blasters, mates, foremen and assistant managers including persons empanelled for engagement as substitute supportsman or dresser fully conversant with the support plan and the codes of standing orders under this sub-regulation and under regulation 129 and the nature of work to be performed by each in that behalf. 129. Use of supports or support materials.(1) All types of steel supports, roof bolts, cement, resin grouts or any other material used as grout along with the rock bolt to be used for the purpose of supporting roof and sides of working in a mine, shall be of such type, standard and make as approved by the Chief Inspector. (2) The approval standards, test procedures and protocols for such supports shall be framed and notified by the Chief Inspector from time to time.

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130. Support of working.(1) The roof or back, hanging wall, footwall and sides of every roadway and working place, including airways and travelling roadways to second outlets, shall be made and kept secure. (2) If the Regional Inspector is of the opinion with respect to any mine or part thereof that systematic support for the roof or back hanging wall, footwall and sides, or either, of them, ought to be provided and maintained for the purpose of securing the safety of persons employed therein, he may serve upon the owner, agent or manager an order in writing specifying the mine or part, stating that he is of the opinion aforesaid and requiring the provision and maintenance of support in accordance with a code of support rules which he may specify in the order. (3) The manager shall hand over copies of the code of support rules to the assistant manager, the underground manager and to all other supervising officials concerned, and shall also post such copies at conspicuous places in the mine. (4) The manager, assistant manager and such supervising officials shall be responsible for securing effective compliance with the provisions of the support rules, and the mine or part thereof shall not be worked in contravention thereof. 131. Setting of support. (1) Every piece of timber used as a support shall be set securely and on a secure foundation and whenever it becomes loose or broken shall, as soon as possible, be tightened or replaced. (2) Every crib set or pigstye used as a support shall be well built on a secure foundation, and shall be made and kept tight. (3) Only rectangular pieces of material shall be used as members of a crib set or pigstye so however that in case of timber it shall be sufficient to joggle two opposite sides to provide flat surfaces. (4) The sides of every pack used for the purpose of support shall be well built on secure foundation and the pack shall be filled with debris or other suitable incombustible material, if so required by the Regional Inspector as shall be made as tight as practicable over its whole area. (5) Where sand or other material is stowed for the purpose of support, it shall be paced tight. (6) Except where it is no longer necessary for purposes of support, any support dislodged by or removed for any operation shall be replaced with the least possible delay. (7) In every place wherein a fall of ground involving the displacement or breakage of supports has occurred, no work of clearing the fall or any part thereof shall be undertaken until the newly exposed roof or back hanging wall, footwall or side has been examined and made safe- if necessary, by temporary supports. (8) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-regulation (6), only such minimum number of persons may be engaged under the supervision of a mining mate or foreman as may be necessary for securing the roof and sides thereat. (9) Where roof bolts are used for support, (a) only full column grouted roof bolts with adequate bearing plates shall be used; (b) roof bolts shall be installed as soon as the roof has been exposed under direct supervision of an assistant manager or foreman; (c) holes shall be drilled to correct diameter and length with a suitable drill maintaining verticality or correct inclination in accordance to the support plan; (d) hole diameter shall not be more than 8 to 12 mm larger than the bolt diameter. (10) A code of practice shall be framed and implemented by the manager of the mine for correct installation, maintenance and monitoring of all types of supports. 132. Withdrawal of supports.(1) Whenever supports are to be withdrawn, the withdrawal shall be done in such manner as the manager may by orders specify. (2) The order referred to in sub-regulation (1) shall cover (a) the supply and use of appropriate tools and safety contrivances; (b) the setting of extra supports to control the collapse of roof or side from which supports are being withdrawn; (c) the sequence of withdrawal of supports; withdrawal of a cog to precede withdrawal of its corner props; (d) safe positioning of the persons engaged in the operation and all other persons present nearby; (e) training of competent persons who are entrusted with the operations; and (f) supervision during withdrawal of supports. 133. Provision of roof canopies or cabs.(1) Electrical, battery or diesel-powered, self-propelled machinery used in belowground mines shall be provided with substantially constructed roof canopies or cabs which will give adequate protection against falls of ground from the roof or sides. (2) The cabin or seat of the operator provided is such machine shall be ergonomically designed and shall be such that the operator has clear line of sight in front as well as at rear of the machine without involving any constraint or strain. 134 Steep working.(1) In working having an inclination of 30 degrees or more from the horizontal adequate precautions shall be taken to prevent danger to persons from falling or rolling of timber, tools or other appliances or material. (2) No person shall work or be permitted to work at any place having an inclination of 45 degrees or more from the horizontal, where he is likely to slip or overbalance, unless he is secured by a safety belt or life line or is otherwise safeguarded. 135. Fencing and gates.(1) The top of every opencast working shall be kept securely fenced. (2) Where an excavation which has been formed as a result of any mining operation, extends within a distance of 15 metres from a public road or any building, substantial fencing shall be erected and maintained around the excavation. (3) Where as a result of mining operations, a subsidence of the surface has taken place or is likely to take place and persons are likely to be endangered thereby, the owner, agent or manager shall keep the entire surface area securely and effectively fenced. (4) Every entrance to a shaft, winze, ore-pass, chute, sump, store or other dangerous place shall be provided with an efficient fence, barrier or gate, so designed and constructed as to effectively prevent any person from entering or falling therein. (5) Where a shaft, winze, rise, chute, ore-pass or stope leads directly into a working place or travelling roadway, such place or roadway and any working place situated on its dip side, shall be securely guarded or otherwise protected as to prevent danger to persons from falling materials. (6) Every entrance from a roadway in a mine to a part of the mine which, for the time being, is neither being worked nor being used for any purpose, by reason of any cause whatsoever, shall be provided with a fence, barrier or gate so designed and constructed as to prevent any person from inadvertently entering that part of the mine.

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(7) Shaft and opencast working temporarily or permanently out of use and any place in or about an excavation which is dangerous shall be completely filled in or kept securely fenced: Provided that if in the opinion of the Regional Inspector, any disused trench, pit or other excavation is dangerous, he may, by an order in writing, require the same to be filled in to the level of the adjacent ground. (8) Before a mine is abandoned or the working thereof discontinued, the owner, agent or manager shall cause the top or entrance of every shaft, incline or other opening into the mine to be fenced by a structure of a permanent character sufficient effectively to prevent persons falling into or entering the same. 136. Examination by mining mates.(1) Every place in a mine, whether belowground or in opencast working including travelling roadways and landings, where work is carried on or where persons are stationed or required to pass shall be placed under the charge of a mining mate or other competent person. (2) The size of the mine or district or the nature of any additional duties assigned to a mining mate or other competent person shall as to incapacitate the mining mate or the competent person from efficient discharge of his duties under the regulations. (3) Any complaint as to the size of the mine or district or any additional duties referred to under sub-regulation (2) shall be referred to the Chief Inspector for decision. (4) At the entrance to every mine or district, one or more stations shall be fixed by the manager; and except in the case of a mine working in a continuous succession of shifts no person other the persons making the examination under clause (6) or an official shall pass beyond any such station until all the roadways and working places to which such persons are required to have access, have been examined by the competent person in charge of the mine or district and found to be satisfactorily ventilated and in safe condition. (5) Every such station shall be legibly marked STATION and shall be of such a size as to accommodate all the persons employed in the district in any one shift. (6) The mining mate or other competent person accompanied by such assistants as may be required shall, within two hours before the commencement of work in a shift, inspect every part of the mine or district assigned to him, in which persons have to work or pass during the shift and all roadways and working places where work is temporarily stopped and shall ascertain the condition thereof as regards ventilation, sanitation, the presence of gases, the state of the roof and sides, presence of spontaneous heating and other fire risks, and generally so far as the safety of the persons is concerned. (7) Inspections shall be made once at least in every four hours during which the shift continues, of all the roadways and other working places to which persons engaged in the mine or district are required to have access. (8) The inspection under sub-regulation (6) shall be made with an approved flame safety lamp or any other approved apparatus made for the purpose and in the case of a mine or part to which regulation 144(1) applies, a cage containing suitable birds or other means of detecting carbon monoxide gas approved by the Chief Inspector shall be carried during every such inspection. (9) In case of manual opencast working, the mining mate shall pay attention to overhangs, undercuts, presence of loose stone, materials or trees, etc. within 3m of the edges, foot paths for traveling and carrying loads, fencing on top of the quarry and disused part or abandoned quarries, fencing along footpaths and benches where required, use of personal protective equipment and condition of dumps. (10) The mining mate or other competent person shall, at the completion of his shift, record without delay the result of his inspections in a bound paged book kept for the purpose and every such report shall be a full and accurate report of the inspections and shall include the following :(i) the details referred to in sub-regulations (6) and (9); (ii) the number of persons working under his charge; (iii) such instructions for the purposes of securing the safety of the persons as he may have given during his shift; and (iv) the date and time of the inspections, the signature of the mining mate or other competent person, and the date and time when the report was written. (11) In case of a mine where any other system of examination of working places has been in force, the Chief Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, permit such a system to be continued in lieu of the system of examination laid down in this sub-regulation. (12) In the case of a shaft in the course of being sunk, the competent person or chargeman shall (a) have entire charge of the shaft bottom and shall, in his shift, remain in the shaft while persons are at work at the bottom of the shaft. (b) be the last person to ascend the shaft at the end of the shift and if his shift is succeeded immediately by another shift, he shall not leave the bottom of the shaft until after the descent of the chargeman of the succeeding shaft; and (c) after each round of shots, and at the beginning of every shift, and after every cessation of work in the shaft for a period exceeding two hours, shall examine the sides of the shaft and remove all loose pieces before persons are allowed to descend. 137. Avoidance of dangers.(1) If at any time it is found by a competent person in charge of a mine or district, that by reason of any cause whatsoever, the mine or district is dangerous, he shall immediately withdraw all persons from the mine or district; and the mine or district shall be fenced off so as to prevent persons inadvertently entering therein. (2) The competent person shall also immediately inform the manager or under-manager or assistant manager about the danger, and shall record the fact in the book kept under sub-regulation (4). (3) The manager or assistant manager or underground manager shall make, or cause to be made by a competent person, a careful examination of the mine or district; and no person shall, except in so far as is necessary for enquiring into the cause of the danger or for the removal thereof or for exploration, be re-admitted into the mine or district until the mine or district is reported to be safe. (4) A report of every such examination shall be recorded without delay in a bound paged book kept for the purpose duly signed and dated by the person who made the examination. (5) If the work of removing the danger is suspended before the danger is removed, the mine or district shall be securely fenced off effectively to prevent persons entering therein during the period of suspension. (6) Notwithstanding anything contained in these regulations

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where the danger arises from the presence of inflammable or noxious gas, the provisions of regulation 163 shall apply; and (b) where the appearance in any part of a mine of smoke or other sign indicates that a fire or spontaneous heating has or may have broken out the provisions of regulation 139 shall apply. 138. General precautions.(1) Where several persons are working together in any place, one of them shall be placed in charge. (2) No person shall be so appointed unless he is 21 years of age and has had not less than three years experience in the working of a mine. (3) No person shall work in any place other than his authorised working place. (4) Every person shall (a) carefully examine his working place before commencing work and also at intervals during the shift; and (b) if any dangerous condition is observed, he shall cease all work at that place and shall either take immediate steps to remove such danger or inform an official or the competent person in charge of the mine or district. (5) Where several persons are working together and one of them is in charge, the examination required by this sub-regulation shall be made by the person in charge. (6) No person shall work or travel on any ledge or footpath less than 1.5 metres wide, from which he will be likely to fall more than 1.8 metres, unless he is protected by guard rails, fence or rope suitably fixed and sufficiently strong to prevent him from falling. (7) When a plant, machinery, workshop or any other shed or structure is under construction, repair or renovation, and persons are allowed to work at heights, proper walkway, stairs or ladderway with hand rails, guards or stages and platforms with fencing shall be provided to avoid danger or risk of persons falling from height. (8) Every person permitted to work at height shall be provided with safety belt, of the type and standard suitable for the nature of work to be performed by him and approved by the Chief Inspector. (9) Where it is required to work at heights involving danger or risk of falling, proper stage or working platform of adequate and suitable design and strength shall be provided. (10) The stage or working platform referred to in sub-regulation (7) shall have proper approach way to and from the stage or platform for the persons to ascend or descend, as well as the fencing to prevent such falls. (11) A safety net of adequate strength and design shall also be provided immediately below every working place so that the danger or risk of injuries to persons falling from working at heights is completely eliminated. (12) A code of safe practices shall be framed by the manager and implemented under the supervision and control of a competent person and official especially authorised for the purpose by the engineer and manager, to ensure such safety precautions while executing such work in the mine. (13) No untrained and inexperienced person(s) and contractor(s) shall be engaged for execution of any such work in the mine which involves working at heights and the dangers associated therewith. (14) A system of Check List and Work Permit shall be maintained by the agent and manager where any such work in the mine which involves working at heights and the dangers associated therewith is undertaken. (15) No person shall carry or be permitted to carry any load along a road or footpath having an inclination of 30 degrees or more from the horizontal. (16) Every road or footpath, along which loads are carried by human agency, shall comply with the following requirements (i) its breadth shall not be less than one metre; and (ii) at every place where the inclination exceeds 15 degrees from the horizontal, level steps shall be provided such that the vertical height of every step does not exceed 0.20 metre and the distance from the edge to the back is not less than 0.35 metre. Explanation. Gang-planks used for loading purposes shall not be deemed to be part of a footpath for the purposes of this subregulation, provided that every gang-plank shall be so inclined or constructed as to give a secure foot-hold. (17) No person shall be employed to lift, carry or move a load so heavy as is likely to cause bodily injury or injury to health of that person and in case of any doubt as to whether risk of bodily injury or injury to health is involved, it shall be referred to the Chief Inspector for decision. (18) Every person shall ensure that tools, wood, stones, or other articles are not put down or allowed to remain, in or near a shaft , winze or opening into a stope where work is going on, in such position as may result in their falling into the shaft, winze, or stope, as the case may be. (19) No person shall cast any material down any chute, ore pass or stope or other place until he has assured himself that no person is in the way. (20) No person shall work or be permitted to work alone in any remote part of a mine where, in any accident occurred he would not soon be discovered or assisted. (21) No inexperienced person shall be employed in the mine for any work whereby he or other persons can be seriously endangered, except under the supervision and guidance of an experienced person. * * * * * * * * * * * * *

(a)

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CHAPTER - XI PRECAUTIONS AGAINST DANGERS FROM FIRE, DUST, GAS AND WATER
139. General precautions against fire.(1) No oil, grease, canvas or other inflammable material shall be stored in any mine except in a fire-proof receptacle. (2) Greasy or oily waste in working belowground, shall be regularly removed to the surface and in case of opencast working or workshops, greasy and oily wastes shall be disposed off regularly in a safe manner . (3) No person shall place or throw, or cause or permit to be placed or thrown, any naked light or lamp or cheesa stick or kai piece on or near any timber, wooden structure or other combustible material. (4) Where explosives are used in blasting any timber forming part of stulls, sets and chutes sufficient water shall be applied to the timber both before and after firing a shot. (5) All surface structures and supports within a horizontal distance of 10 metres from all entrances to a mine shall be of incombustible material: Provided that this sub-regulation shall not apply to temporary structures, supports and coverings at the top of a shaft or winze which is in the course of being sunk and to the small lid of a shaft-covering operated by the rope cappel. (6) Dead leaves or dry vegetation shall not be allowed to accumulate or remain, and combustible materials other than material required for use within a period of twenty four hours, and inflammable materials, shall not be stored within a distance of 15 metres from any entrance to a mine, which is not effectively sealed off from the working belowground. (7) No person shall light a fire or permit a fire to be lighted on the surface within a distance of 15 metres from any entrance to a mine, except by an order in writing of the manager and only for a special purpose specified in such order which shall be recorded in a bound paged book kept for the purpose: Provided that this sub-regulation shall not apply to boilers other than vertical boilers. (8) Except with the previous permission in writing of the Regional Inspector and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, no timber or other combustible material shall be used in the construction of or in connection with, any shaft lining or any room housing any machinery or apparatus belowground. (9) Wood cuttings shall not be left in any working belowground, but shall be removed to the surface at the end of every shift. (10) No person shall light a fire or permit a fire to be lighted in any working belowground : Provided that in the case of a mine to which regulation 165 does not apply, flame or electric welding or repairing apparatus may be used belowground if permitted by a order in writing of the manager and every such order shall specify person who shall be in charge of the apparatus; and it shall be the duty of such person to bring the apparatus back to the surface when no longer required belowground Provided further that in the case of a mine to where the provisions of regulation 165 apply, a flame or electric welding or repairing apparatus may be used belowground if prior permission in writing has been obtained from the Regional Inspector and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein. (11) No person shall leave a portable light or lamp belowground unless he has placed it in charge of some other person remaining therein. (12) At the end of a shift, unless the mine is worked by a continuous succession of shifts, after all persons have left the mine, all lights shall be extinguished and all power cut off: Provided that nothing in this sub-regulation shall be deemed to prohibit the running of a mechanical ventilator or auxiliary fan belowground after the shift is over. (13) Proper provision shall be made to prevent an outbreak of fire or spontaneous heating belowground or the spread of fire to the mine from any adjoining mine; and adequate steps shall be taken to control or isolate any such fire or heating that may occur: Provided that where in the opinion of the Regional Inspector the provisions of this sub-regulation have not been complied with or the steps so taken are inadequate, he may, by an order in writing, require such additional precautions or steps to be taken within such time as he may specify therein and if any such order is not complied with within the specified period, the Regional Inspector may prohibit until the order has been complied with, the employment in the mine or part, of any person whose employment is not, in his opinion, necessary for the purpose of complying with the order . (14) Adequate and sufficient arrangements shall be made in every mine for early detection, control and extinguishing any fire. (15) The owner, agent and manager of every mine shall take measures and precautions appropriate to the nature of a mine operation to prevent, detect and combat the start and spread of mine fires. (16) The owner, agent and manager of every mine shall ensure when there is serious danger due to fire, to the safety and health of workers, operations are stopped and workers are evacuated to a safe location. (17 A competent person shall, once at least in every seven days, inspect the top of all entrances to a mine, all opencast working in order to ascertain whether the precaution laid down in this regulation have been complied with, and for the presence of any fire that may have broken out or any indications thereof. (18) A record of every such inspection referred to in sub-regulation (17) shall be maintained in a bound paged book kept for the purpose, duly signed and dated by the person making the inspection. 140. Precautions after a fire has broken out.(1) On the appearance in any part of a mine of smoke or other signs indicating that a fire or spontaneous heating has or may have broken out, all persons other than those whose presence in the mine is deemed necessary for dealing with the fire or heating shall be immediately withdrawn from the mine. (2) No person, other than those required for dealing with or sealing off the fire or heating, shall be admitted in the mine until the fire or heating has been extinguished or effectively sealed off and an examination has been made by the manager or by the assistant manager and the mine has been declared to be safe and a report of every such examination shall be recorded in a bound paged book kept for the purpose duly signed and dated by the person making the examination: Provided that the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, permit the employment in the mine, of persons other than those required to deal with the fire or heating. (3) The examination required under sub-regulation (2) shall be made with suitable means of detecting carbon monoxide gas approved by the Chief Inspector. (4) During the whole time that any work of dealing with or sealing off a fire or heating belowground is in progress, (a) a competent person shall be present on the spot throughout;

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adequate precautions shall be taken to prevent danger to persons from any noxious, asphyxiating or inflammable gases, flame, steam and ejected or rolling down hot material ; explosion of water gas and falling into crevices, pot holes that may occur in the area on fire; (c) there shall be kept available, at or near all places belowground(i) adequate number of self-rescuers and at least two smoke helmets or other suitable apparatus for use in emergency; (ii) an apparatus for detecting carbon monoxide gas approved by the Chief Inspector; and (iii) a flame safety lamp or other means of detecting carbon dioxide gas and oxygen deficiency, approved by the Chief Inspector. (5) The manager of every mine shall prepare and establish a detailed scheme for(a) the provision and maintenance of suitable fire-fighting arrangements; (b) prevention, detection, dealing and control of any heating or fire; (c ) the examination and maintenance of the protective measures taken to control or isolate a fire or heating; (d) ensuring safety of persons engaged in the said operations, and the scheme shall be suitably modified and kept updated as the situation warrants. 141. Equipment for fire-fighting.(1) In every mine, (a) unless expressly exempted in writing by the Regional Inspector, effective means of delivering to all working places belowground and all other places of fire risk, adequate quantity of water at sufficient pressure for the purpose of efficient fire fighting shall be provided and kept maintained; (b) fire stations with a suitable supply of fire-fighting equipment shall be established and kept maintained at convenient points, both on surface and belowground; and (c) sufficient supply of sand or incombustible material and suitable portable fire extinguishers in sufficient quantity or automatically operated fire suppression devices shall be provided at(i) every entrance to a mine or district and at every landing and the bottom of every shaft or winze in use; (ii) every place where timber, grease, oil or other inflammable material is stored; (iii) every engine room, diesel engine maintenance workshop and filling station, storage battery charging station; (iv) on each track and off-track locomotive, self propelled man-riding car and personnel carrier; (v) at each permanent and temporary electrical installation; (vi) at locations where welding, cutting or soldering with arc or flame is being done; (vii) with every heavy earth moving machines used in opencast working; (viii) at every machinery, plant and installations; and (ix) such other special places of fire risk as may be specified by the manager; (d) in conveyor belt installation specially designed water or foam spray or deluge systems or dry chemical type fire detection and suppression system shall be installed above each belt drive, belt take up, electrical control, gear reducing unit and other strategic locations on the conveyor belt system; (e) adequate number of suitable fire extinguishers or automatically operated fire suppression devices shall be provided on diesel operated machines. (2) Soda-acid type extinguishers or water shall not be used for fighting oil or electrical fires. (3) Foam type extinguishers shall not be used for fighting electrical fires. (4) Fire-extinguishers containing chemicals which are liable, when operated, to give off poisonous or noxious gases shall not be provided or used belowground: Provided that nothing in sub-regulations (2), (3) or (4) shall prohibit the use belowground fire-extinguishers giving off carbon dioxide when operated. (5) All types of fire fighting and fire suppression systems including automatic fire detection and suppression systems to be used in machinery and plant including heavy earth moving machines, materials and Chemicals to be used in fire sealing, fighting or suppression systems in mines both on surface as well as belowground will be of such type, standard and make as approved by the Chief Inspector by a general or special order in writing. (6) A competent person shall, once at least in every month, examine all the equipment, material and arrangements provided for fire-fighting and shall discharge and re-fill the fire-extinguishers as often as may be necessary to ensure that these are in proper working order and any deficiency found during any such examination or otherwise shall be immediately remedied and a report of every such examination including discharge and re-filling of fire-extinguishers shall be made in a bound-paged book kept for the purpose duly signed and dated by the person making the examination. 142. Organisation for fire fighting.(1) The owner, agent and manager of every mine shall establish a proper organisation for fighting fires in the mine by installing fire stations at surface and also on every main haulage roadway belowground at suitable places in the intake airway near the main shaft with adequate fire fighting equipment shall be kept in every such fire station. (2) Sufficient number of plans showing the fire fighting equipment, the water mains, taps, fire-stations, pumping stations, ventilation system, escape route etc. maintained at the mine, and giving such other information as may be useful for the purpose of fighting fires, shall be prepared, and up-to-date copies of these plans shall be kept available at suitable places both on the surface and belowground. (3) Adequate number of persons shall be trained in the use of fire-extinguishers and in fire fighting and such persons shall be familiar with the position of all fire fighting equipments provided in the mine in general and near their places of work in particular. (4) The manager of every mine shall, with the approval of the Regional Inspector, frame standing orders laying down the procedure to be adopted for giving warnings of fire for withdrawal of personnel from the mine and for the conduct of fire fighting operation.. 143. Apparatus for testing for carbon monoxide.- In every belowground mine there shall be kept at the mine, constantly available for use, suitable means of detecting carbon monoxide gas approved by the Chief Inspector. 144. Precautions when a fire exists.(1) In every mine in which a fire or spontaneous heating exists in working belowground (whether such fire has been isolated by means of suitable seals or not), no work whatsoever shall be done in any part or section adjacent to the part or section on fire or believed to be on fire, except with the permission in writing of the Chief Inspector and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein.

(b)

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(2) In every mine to which sub-regulation (1) of regulation 165 apply, arrangements shall be made, once at least in every thirty days, to ascertain the atmospheric conditions behind the seals of an area of old working or a fire or spontaneous heating unless such seals are capable of resisting the force of an explosion: Provided that the Chief Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, exempt any mine or part thereof from the operation of this sub-regulation where in his opinion special difficulties exist which make compliance with provisions thereof not reasonably practicable. (3) Every seal erected to isolate or control a fire or spontaneous heating belowground shall be numbered, and shall be of adequate strength and shall be so maintained as to prevent any leakage of air or gas through it and where water is likely to accumulate behind any such stopping, there shall be provided in the stopping a suitable pipe or other device to drain away the water without permitting any leakage or air or gas, etc. (4) Where in any mine or part thereof the provisions of sub-regulation (3) have not been complied with or where in the opinion of the Regional Inspector the steps so taken are inadequate, he may give notice in writing to the owner, agent or manager requiring him to take such protective measures, within such time, as he may specify therein: Provided that in case of non-compliance with the requirements of the notice, the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing, prohibit until the requirements of the notice have been complied with to his satisfaction, the employment in the mine or part, of any person whose employment is not, in his opinion, necessary for the purpose of complying with the requirements aforesaid. (5) A competent person shall, once at least in every seven days, inspect all seals erected to isolate or control a fire or spontaneous heating belowground and during every such inspection, he shall ascertain the general condition of every seal, check it for leakage and presence of gas and ascertain the temperature and humidity of the atmosphere outbye the seal. (6) The competent persons shall after carrying out the inspection under sub-regulation (5) place his signature, with date, on a check-Board provided for the purpose at a suitable position on the seal and which shall be maintained for a period of not less than three months and a report of every such inspection shall also be recorded in a bound paged book kept for the purpose duly signed and dated by the person making the inspection: Provided that the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing, require such inspection to be made at such shorter intervals as he may specify therein. 145. Precautions against dust.(1) The owner, agent or manager of every mine shall take such steps as are necessary for the minimizing of emissions of dust and for the suppression of dust which enters the air at any work place belowground or on surface and for ensuring that the exposure of workers to respirable dust is limited to an extent that is reasonably practicable but in any case not exceeding the limits that are harmful to the health of persons. (2) For the purposes of this regulation, a place shall not be deemed to be in a harmless state for person to work or pass or be therein, if the eight hours time weighted average concentration of airborne respirable dust (a) in milligrams per cubic metre of air sampled by a gravimetric dust sampler of a type approved by and determined in accordance with the procedure as specified by the Chief Inspector by a general or special order, exceeds five in case of manganese ore and the value arrived at by dividing the figures of ten with the percentage of free respirable silica present in other cases; or (b) in case of respirable asbestos fibers, exceeds one fiber per milli litre of air sampled by an open membrane filter and measured by a phase contrast optical microscope of a type approved by and in accordance with the procedure as specified by the Chief Inspector or by a general or special order. Explanation. For the purposes of this regulation, the term respirable asbestos fiber means any fibrous form of mineral silicates of chrysolite, actionolite, amosite, anthophyllite, crocidolite, tremolite or any admixture thereof with a length of greater than 5 micrometers and a diameter of less than 3 micrometers and a length to diameter ratio greater than three is to one. (3) The owner, agent or manger of every mine shall, within a period of three months of the coming into force of these regulations and once at least every month thereafter or whenever the Regional Inspector so requires by an order in writing, cause the air at every work place where airborne dust is generated to be sampled and the concentration of repairable dust therein determined: Provided that, if any measurement at any workplace shows the concentration in excess of fifty percent. or seventy five percent. of the allowable concentration as specified in sub-regulation (2) (hereinafter referred to as permissible limit) the subsequent measurements shall be carried on at intervals not exceeding three months or one month respectively : Provided further that, such measurements shall also be carried on immediately upon the commissioning of any plant, equipment or machinery or upon the introduction of any new work practice or upon any alteration therein that is likely to bring about any substantial change in the level of airborne respirable dust. (4) The samples drawn shall as far as practicable, be representative of the levels of dust exposure of work-persons and the sampler shall be positioned on the return side of the point of dust generation within 1 metre of the normal working position of but not behind the operator or other worker whose exposure is deemed to be maximum in his working group . (5) Based on the results of static or personal sampling the representative dust exposure profiles for different categories of workers shall be estimated by portal to portal monitoring of selected workers whose exposure is deemed to be representative of their working groups. (6) Samples shall be taken by a person who has been specially trained for the purpose in the sampling equipment and accessories that have been checked to ensure correct maintenance and efficient operation thereof and examined, tested and calibrated on a date which is not earlier that one year: Provided that if the dust sampling is carried out by a laboratory other than belonging to the mine such laboratory shall be approved in writing by the Chief Inspector in this behalf. (7) Respirable dust content of the samples and in case of samples collected from a working, silica content shall be determined at a laboratory approved in writing by the Chief Inspector in that behalf (8) All result of measurements of airborne respirable dust and all other relevant particulars shall be systematically recorded within fourteen days of the date of collection of samples, in a bound paged book kept for the purpose and every entry in the book aforesaid shall be countersigned and dated by the manager within a period of twenty four hours. (9) When the dust monitoring results have established that the permissible limit of dust concentrations is being exceeded at any place, immediate steps shall be taken to minimize the emission of dust and to notify the Regional Inspector. (10) If the average concentration of respirable dust in a series of 5 samples taken in 7 successive normal working shifts during the subsequent month exceeds one and a half times the permissible limits the relevant operation or operations causin g excessive dust shall cease and the operation or operations shall not be resumed and allowed to be carried on until

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improvements have been made in the prevention and suppression of dust and fresh sampling carried out immediately on resumption of the said operation or operations has established that such improvements have reduced the dust concentration below the permissible limit: Provided that if the dust prevention and suppression device of any machinery or equipment fails to operate efficiently the operation of the said machinery or equipment shall likewise cease and shall not be resumed until the defect therein has been rectified: Provided further that, purely as a contingency measure or as a secondary means of protection in a work situation wherein it is technically not feasible to reduce the respirable dust concentration b elow the permissible limit or during the time period necessary to install and commission any device or to institute any new work practice for dust prevention or suppression, compliance with the permissible limit of dust may be achieved by remote operation or by job rotation and failing which by the use of suitable dust respirator. (11) The owner, agent or manager of every mine where need of dust respirators might arise, shall provide dust respirators of approved type in sufficient number and at no cost to the concerned work persons for their use and the dust respirators shall be regularly cleaned, disinfected and maintained in efficient working order; and for the proper fitting of and for thorough training of the concerned workers in the need for the correct use of respirators. (12) To prevent the liberation and accumulation of dust and the propagation of airborne dust, the following provisions shall have effect, namely:(a) (b) dust shall be suppressed as close as possible to its source of formation; during any operation of drilling or boring on surface or belowground,(i) the production of dust shall be reduced by using bits which are sharp and of proper shape, by keeping suitable pressure on the bits and by keeping the holes clear of the cuttings; and (ii) except in naturally wet ground, a jet water shall be directed on to the cutting edge to wet the cuttings or other equally efficient device approved by the Chief Inspector shall be provided and kept in operation throughout the drilling or boring operation to prevent the atmosphere being charged with dust; (iii) where pneumatic drilling is performed, water shall be turned on before turning on compressed air to the drill; (iv) when, however, drilling is done by hand, it shall be sufficient if holes are kept constantly moist during such drilling; every roadway on surface or belowground where mobile mining machinery ply, shall be regularly wetted and or shall be effectively treated with some other equally efficient dust suppressant agent approved by the Chief Inspector to reduce dust being raised in the atmosphere to a minimum; no plant for the screening or sorting of mineral and as far as practicable, no heap of cinder, cement, sand, mortar or other dry and fine material shall be placed within 80 metres of the top of any down-cast shaft or other intake airway nor shall any such material be so handled as to make it air-borne and drawn into such shaft or airway; In every working belowground, (i) no machinery or equipment which is likely to emit dust in excess of permissible limit shall be operated unless it is equipped with a suitable dust-prevention and suppression device which shall be properly interlocked with the operating lever/switch and unless such device is operating efficiently ; the design, arrangement, material and condition of picks on every mechanical coal cutter shall be such as to reduce the formation of dust to the minimum and no mechanical coal cutter shall be operated unless suitable water sprays or jets of water are directed on the cutting edges thereof so as to damp the cuttings as they are formed; every working face and the floor, roof and sides of every roadway or airway within 50 metres thereof shall be, unless naturally wet throughout, regularly washed down to prevent accumulation of dust and shall be kept thoroughly wetted during the work shifts; a current of air sufficient to clear away the dust emitted by any machinery or operation and to dilute the dust concentration below the permissible limit, shall be maintained by means of general ventilation and if necessary, by local ventilation, so however that, as far as practicable, the velocity of air in any roadway or workplace shall not be such as to raise dust in the atmosphere; after blasting, working places shall not be entered unless sufficient time has elapsed for dust, smoke and fumes to be cleared by a current of air and the broken material shall not be moved unless it has been thoroughly wetted with water; vehicles, tubs and conveyors used for transport of mineral, ore or waste shall be maintained in good condition so as to minimise spillage or leakage. Chutes, spiral conveyors, bins, tipplers conveyor, discharge points and skip loading and unloading installations shall be so controlled as to reduce the formation of dust to the minimum and such material shall be also thoroughly wetted with water unless it is already wet or other effective means of dust suppression are used; and unless, owing to special difficulties, exempted in writing by Regional Inspector in that behalf and subject to such conditions as he might specify therein, water in pipes in sufficient quantity and under adequate pressure and independent of any pumping system, shall be provided and maintained so as to get maximum efficiency in allaying of dust; no process of crushing, breaking, disintegrating, opening, grinding, screening or sieving of mineral or ore or any operation incidental thereto, shall be carried out at any mine unless efficient watering or other appropriate and effective dust control measures, such as, but not limited to isolation, enclosure, exhaust ventilation and dust collection are designed, provided, maintained and used; the exhaust air from belowground, which contains dust in excess of the permissible limit shall be efficiently diluted and if necessary filtered so as to reduce the concentration of respirable dust therein below ten percent of the permissible limit before being re-circulated into working places; every device used for the prevention and suppression of dust produced by any machinery, equipment or process as also for the filtering of the exhausted air and every dust respirator shall be inspected once at

(c)

(d)

(e)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

(v)

(vi)

(vii)

(f)

(g)

(h)

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least in every seven days and shall be thoroughly examined and tested at least once in every month and reports of the results of every such inspection, examination and test shall be recorded in the register maintained for the purpose; (13) The manager of every mine where airborne dust is generated shall formulate and implement a scheme specifying (a) the location, frequency, timing, duration and pattern of sampling; (b) the instruments and accessories to be used for sampling, (c) the laboratory at which respirable dust content of samples and silica content shall be determined; (d) the format in which the results of measurements of dust concentration and other particulars are to be recorded; (e) the organisation for dust monitoring and for the examination and maintenance of dust prevention and suppression measures and dust respirators; and (f) the manner of making all persons concerned with the implementation of the dust control measures fully conversant with the nature of work to be performed by each in that behalf. (14) The Regional Inspector may, where special conditions exist, permit to require by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, any variation in the foregoing provisions or in the managers scheme. (15) If any doubt arises on matters referred to in this regulation, it shall be referred to the Chief Inspector for decision. 146. Precautions against irruption of gas.- Where any working is extended to within 30 metres of any stopped-out area or disused working containing or likely to contain an accumulation of inflammable or noxious gases, there shall be maintained at least one bore-hole not less than 1.5 metres in advance of the working and the operation of drilling the bore hole shall be carried out under the supervision of a competent person; and where inflammable gas is present or likely to be present, no lamp or light other than an approved safety lamp or torch shall be used in any such working. 147. Recovery and exploratory work.(1) After an explosion of inflammable gas has occurred in a mine only such persons as are authorised by the manager or by the principal official present at the surface, shall be allowed to enter the mine. (2) When it is intended or proposed to reopen a mine or part thereof, which has been isolated, sealed off or flooded with water to deal with a fire or spontaneous heating, the owner, agent or manager shall, not less than thirty days before the commencement of such work, give notice in writing of such intention or proposal to the Regional Inspector and the Chief Inspector. (3) Where it is intended to carry out any exploratory work in a mine or part belowground likely to contain irrespirable atmosphere, (a) all work shall be done under rescue cover only; (b) no party of less than three persons shall be allowed to proceed to carry out such work; and (c) every such party shall carry a cage containing suitable birds or other means of detecting carbon monoxide gas approved by the Chief Inspector and also an approved flame safety lamp. 148. Danger from surface water.(1) Where any mine or part thereof is so situated that there is any danger of inrush of surface water into the mine or part, adequate protection against such inrush shall be provided and maintained and whether such protection is adequate or not shall be determined by the Chief Inspector whose decision shall be final. (2) Except with the permission of the Chief Inspector in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein and subject to the provisions of sub-regulation (1), every entrance into a mine shall be so designed, constructed, and maintained that its lowest point (which means the point at which a body of rising water on surface can enter the mine) shall be not less than 1.5 metres above the highest flood level at that point. (3) Every year, during the rains constant watch shall be kept on the flood level on the surface of the mine and if at any time the levels cross the highest levels earlier recorded, such levels shall be marked by permanent posts along the edges of water and the new highest levels thus observed shall be recorded with the date of the highest flood level on the plans by an actual survey: Provided that highest flood level shall not be plotted on plans by interpolations. (4) If there are water dams or reservoirs built across rivers and water courses on the upstream side, arrangements shall be made for communication between appropriate authorities for the purpose of ascertaining the quantity and timing of water released from the dams which is like to endanger safety of the mine; arrangement for similar communication shall be made when water level rises on the downstream side which is likely to endanger any mine. (5) In every mine which is likely to be endangered by surface water, the highest flood levels and danger levels at least 1.2 metres or as required by the Regional Inspector below the highest flood level shall be permanently marked at appropriate places on the surface and whenever water rises towards the danger level at any place, all persons shall be withdrawn from the mine sufficiently in advance and for this purpose adequate arrangements of quick communication to all parts of the mine by effective systems shall be provided and maintained. (6) No working shall be made in any mine vertically below (a) any part of any river, canal, lake, tank or other surface reservoir; or (b) any spot lying within a horizontal distance of 15 metres from either bank of a river or canal or from the boundary of a lake, tank or other surface reservoir, except with the permission in writing of the Chief Inspector and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein. (7) Every application for permission under sub-regulation (6) shall be accompanied by two copies of a plan and section showing the existing position of the working of the mine, the proposed layout of working, the depth of the working from the surface, the position and depth of any stopped out area in the neighborhood, all faults and other geological disturbances and such other particulars as may affect the safety of the mine or of the persons employed therein. Explanation. Where sand or alluvium are lying in the course of a river, canal, lake, tank or reservoir, the depth from the surface shall be reckoned from the surface of hard ground underlying such sand or alluvium. (8) All working made under sub-regulation (6) shall be clearly demarcated belowground. (9) A competent person shall, once at least in every fourteen days during the rainy season and once at least in every thirty days during other periods of the year, examine every protective measure provided under sub-regulation(1), whether in use or not, for their stability and a report of every such examination shall be recorded in a bound paged book kept for the purpose, duly signed dated by the person making the examination and countersigned by the manager. (10) The protective measure and working aforesaid shall also be inspected, once at least in every quarter by the manager personally.

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149. Danger from underground inundation.(1) Proper provision shall be made in every mine to prevent exemption of water or other liquid matter or any material that is likely to flow when wet from the working of the same mine or of an adjoining mine. (2) No working which has approached within a distance of 60 metres of any disused or abandoned working (not being working which have been examined and found to be free from accumulation of water or other liquid matter), whether in the same mine or in an adjoining mine, shall be extended further except with the prior permission in writing of the Chief Inspector and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein: Provided that if any heavy seepage of water is noticed in any working approaching, but not within 60 metres of, any such disused or abandoned working, such working shall be immediately stopped, and the Chief Inspector and the Regional Inspector shall forthwith be informed about the occurrence and the working shall not be extended further except with the prior permission in writing of the Chief Inspector and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein. Explanation. For the purpose of this sub-regulation, the distance between the said working shall mean the shortest distance between the said working measured in any direction whether horizontal vertical or inclined. (3) Every application for permission under sub-regulation (2) shall be accompanied by two copies of a plan and section showing the outline of such disused or abandoned working in relation to the working which are approaching the said working and such other information as may be available in respect of the said working. (4) Except where otherwise permitted by the Chief Inspector by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, no such working shall exceed two metres in width or height; and there shall be maintained at least one bore-hole near the center of the working face, and sufficient flank holes on each side and where necessary, bore-holes above and below the working, at intervals of not more than five metres. (5) All such bore-holes referred in sub-regulation (4) shall be constantly maintained, under the direct supervision of a competent person specially authorized for the purpose, at sufficient distance in advance of the working and such distance shall in no case be less than three metres. (6) The precautions laid down in sub-regulation (4) shall also be observed in any other working where any heavy seepage of water is noticed whether approaching disused or abandoned working or not. 150. Intentional flooding.(1) When the owner, agent or manager intends or propose, by introducing water from the surface or from any other part of the mine or from an adjacent mine, to flood any part of the working of his mine, he shall give in writing not less than fourteen days notice of such intention or proposal to the Chief Inspector and the Regional Inspector and to the management of all adjoining mines and of such other mines as might be affected by such flooding: Provided that the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, permit such operations to be commenced on any day prior to the expiry of the said fourteen days period Provided further that the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing, either prohibit any such operation or require that such operation shall not be commenced until such precautions as he may specify therein, have been taken to his satisfaction. (2) If the operations in respect of which notice given under sub-regulation (1), are not commenced within period of sixty days from the expiry of the said period of fourteen days, the notice shall be deemed to have lapsed and the provision of the subregulation(1) shall apply as if no such notice had been given. 151. Construction of a reservoir, dam or other structure.(1) Where in any mine it is intended to construct a reservoir, dam or other structure to withstand a pressure of water or other material which will flow when wet, or to control an inrush of water (other than a reservoir, dam or structure for storing small quantities of water) the owner, agent or manager shall give in writing not less than fourteen days notice of such intention to the Regional |Inspector and every such notice shall be accompanied by two copies of plans and sections showing the design and other details of the proposed construction: Provided that where the safety of the mine or of the persons employed therein is seriously threatened, the provisions of this regulation shall be deemed to have been complied with if the said notice is given to the Regional Inspector as soon as the work of construction is commenced. Provided further that where such a reservoir, dam or other structure was constructed before the coming into force of these regulations, the said copies of the plans and sections shall be submitted to the Regional Inspector within three months of the coming into force of these regulations. And where these details are not available, the Regional Inspector shall be informed of the fact within the aforesaid period. (2) The Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing, require such modification or alternations to be made in the design of any such reservoir, dam or structure as he may specify therein * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012

CHAPTER XII VENTILATION

152. Standard of ventilation.(1) It shall be the duty of the owner, agent or manager of every mine to take such steps as are necessary for securing that there is constantly produced in all parts of the mine belowground which are not sealed off, ventilation adequate to clear away smoke, steam and dust; to dilute gases that are inflammable or noxious so as to render them harmless, to provide air containing a sufficient oxygen and to prevent such excessive rise of temperature or humidity as may be harmful to the health of persons. (2) For the purpose of securing adequate ventilation as aforesaid, the owner, agent and manager shall ensure that(a) in every ventilating district, not less than six cubic metres per minute of air per person employed in the district on the largest shift or not less than 2.5 cubic metres per minute of air per tonne output daily whichever is larger, passes along the last ventilation connection in the district which means the inbye-most gallery in the district along which the air passes; (b) at every place in the mine where persons are required to work or pass, the air does not contain less than 19 percent of oxygen or more than 0.5 percent of carbon dioxide or any noxious gas in quantity likely to affect the health of any person; (c ) the percentage of inflammable gas does not exceed 0.75 in the general body of the return air of any ventilating district and 1.25 in any place in the mine; (d) the wet bulb temperature in any working place does not exceed 33.5 degrees centigrade; and where the wet bulb temperature exceeds 30.5 degrees centigrade arrangements shall be made to ventilate the same with a current of air moving at a speed of not less than one metre per second; and (e) for ensuring compliance with the provisions of clauses (b), (c) and (d) of this sub-regulation, air samples and temperature readings shall be taken at least once in thirty days and the result shall be recorded in a bound paged book kept for the purpose: Provided that where at any mine or part, special conditions exist which make compliance with any of the above provisions not necessary or reasonably not practicable, the Chief Inspector, may by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, grant a relaxation from the provisions. (3) In every mine, ventilation as specified in sub-regulation (2) shall be produced by a suitable mechanical ventilator. (4) If with respect to any mine or part thereof the Regional Inspector is of the opinion that the ventilation is not adequate, he may, by an order in writing, require the installation and maintenance of such a mechanical ventilator as is capable of producing adequate ventilation in the mine or part thereof. 153. Main Mechanical ventilator, its drive and fittings.(1) Every main mechanical ventilator in a mine shall be capable of producing adequate ventilation in the mine or part and shall be installed on the surface at a distance of not less than 10 metres from the opening of the shaft, incline or winze at any point: Provided that the provisions of this sub-regulation in so far as they require the installation of the main mechanical ventilator at a distance of not less than ten metres from the opening of the shaft, incline or winze, shall not apply to a mechanical ventilator installed on the surface before this sub-regulation comes into force. (2) If electricity is used for driving the mechanical ventilator, electrical energy shall be supplied to the drive motor of the ventilator through a separate circuit from the main distribution point of the mine. (3) There shall be provided and maintained at every main mechanical ventilator, a recording instrument to continuously register the pressure developed. (4) Every main mechanical ventilator shall be so designed, installed and maintained that the current of air can be reversed when necessary. (5) At every shaft, winze or incline ordinarily used for lowering or raising of persons or materials where a mechanical ventilator is installed, there shall be provided a properly constructed air lock. 154. Installation and maintenance of mechanical ventilators.(1) The installation of every mechanical ventilator and booster fan shall be supervised and controlled by a competent person appointed for the purpose. (2) A competent person appointed for maintenance of mechanical ventilator and booster fan shall once at least in every seven days, examine every mechanical ventilator and booster fan in use and shall record the results of such inspection in a bound paged book kept for the purpose. (3) Except in an emergency, no person shall start, stop, restart, remove or in any way alter, repair or interfere with any ventilator or booster fan, except on the written authority of the manager or other official authorised in writing in this behalf. (4) The written authority referred to under sub-regulation (3) shall clearly specify the conditions under which a ventilator or booster fan shall be started, stopped or restarted, the period for which it can be stopped and the procedure for removal, repair, alterations or interference with such fans. (5) Particulars of every alteration and every stoppage including any stoppage beyond control together with the duration thereof, shall be recorded by the competent person appointed under sub-regulation (2), in a bound paged book kept for the purpose: Provided that, whenever a mechanical ventilator or a booster fan has been stopped for any reason whatsoever, the competent person shall immediately record the time of stoppage in the aforesaid book and send it to the manager, or the person authorised in this behalf for his appraisal and such manager or the person authorized, or the official as the case may be, shall sign the entry in the aforesaid book in respect of the stoppage, duly signed and dated, and return the book to the competent person: Provided further that when the stoppage of mechanical ventilator or a booster fan has been brought to the notice of the official, other than the manager or person authorised in this behalf, the said official shall immediately inform the fact in writing to the manager or in his absence to any concerned person appointed under this regulation or official superior to the manager, about such stoppage and the manager or such person or superior official, aforesaid, as the case may be, shall acknowledge in writing the receipt of such information sent to him and shall, without prejudice to the standing order under regulation 155 take such action as may be expedited for the safety of persons employed in the mine and the details of every action thus taken by him shall be recorded in the aforesaid book. (6) The manager or person or the senior official, referred to in the second proviso sub-regulation (5), on being informed or coming to know of the stoppage of a mechanical ventilator or a booster fan, shall decide about disconnecting electric supply

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Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012

to the mine and the extent of such disconnection and details of such disconnection shall be entered in the book kept for the purpose: Provided that in the case of stoppage of the mechanical ventilator or the booster fan, the electrical supply or the other source of drive to any auxiliary fan, if installed, shall be disconnected immediately by an arrangement of sequence control, or other effective arrangement. (7) In every mine in which a mechanical ventilator is in use, the quantity of air shall, once at least in every thirty days be measured (i) in every main intake and return airway of every seam or section, as near as practicable to the entrance to the mine; (ii) in every split, as near as practicable to the point at which the split commences; (iii) in every ventilating district, as near as practicable to the point where the air is subdivided at the end of a split and also where it enters the first working place; and (iv) any other point the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing, specify, and the measurements shall be entered in a bound paged book kept for the purpose. (8) The measurements referred to sub-regulation (7) shall also be taken and recorded whenever the system of ventilation is so altered as to substantially affect or likely to affect the ventilation of the mine. (9) Every such ventilator or fan shall be in charge of a competent person appointed for the purpose, who shall not be entrusted with any other additional duties which may interfere with his duties as in charge of the ventilator or fan, as the case may be. 155. Standing orders.(1) The manager of every mine in which a mechanical ventilator other than an auxiliary fan is installed, shall submit to the Regional Inspector within a period of sixty days of the coming into force of these regulations, and in case of a new installation within a period of thirty days of its installation, standing orders specifying the action that shall be taken with respect to the withdrawal of persons from the mine or part thereof in the event of a stoppage of the ventilator. (2) The Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing, approve such standing order, either in the form submitted to him or with such additions and alterations as he may think fit, and the standing orders so approved shall be enforced at the mine. (3) A copy of the standing orders in english and other local language understood by majority of the persons employed in the mine shall be posted in conspicuous places in the mine, both above and belowground. 156. Splits and airway.(1) For the purposes of ventilation, every mine shall be divided into such number of districts or splits as to ensure that separate current of fresh air is made available in every such district or split. (2) The intake air shall be so arranged as to travel away from all stagnant water. (3) In every ventilating district there shall be provided two main intake airways, one of which shall be used as a travelling roadway: Provided that if the Regional Inspector is satisfied that compliance with this regulation is not reasonably practicable, he may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, grant exemption from the provisions thereof. (4) Every connection between a main intake airway and a main return airway shall until it has ceased to be required and has been sealed off, be provided with at least two doors so spaced that whenever one door is opened, the other door can be kept closed and steps shall be taken to ensure that at least one of the doors is always closed: Provided that any such connection which has ceased to be required, shall be effectively sealed. 157. Brattices, doors, stoppings and air crossings.(1) There shall be provided and maintained in every mine such number of stoppings, doors and other devices as may be adequate to ensure compliance with the provision of regulations 152 and in case of any doubt arises as to the adequacy of such ventilation devices, it shall be referred to the Chief Inspector for decision. (2) The space between the frame or every ventilation door and the roof and sides of the road, shall be built up with masonry or concrete, not less than 25 centimetres in thickness. (3) Every ventilation door shall be self-closing; and whenever opened, it shall be closed as soon as possible, and shall not be propped or fixed so as to remain open. (4) If the ventilation door is required to be frequently kept open for the passage of men or material, there shall be, throughout every working shift, a door attendant at the door. (5) If a door is not in use, it shall be taken off its hinges and placed in such a position that it shall not cause any obstruction to the air current. (6) Every stopping between the main intake and main return airways shall be constructed of masonry or brickwork, not less than 25 centimetres in thickness or such greater thickness as may be required by the Regional Inspector, and shall be faced with a sufficient thickness of lime or cement plaster to prevent leakage of air. (7) Every stopping in use shall be kept accessible for inspection. (8) The partitions and walls of every air-crossing shall be not less than 25 centimeters in thickness if constructed of plain concrete cement without reinforcement, and not less than 15 centimeters in thickness if constructed properly with reinforced concrete. (9) Every air-crossing, ventilation stopping, door or brattice shall be maintained in efficient working order and good repair. (10) A competent person shall, once at least in every thirty day period examine every airway, air crossing, ventilation stopping and door in use and shall record the result thereof in a bound paged book kept for the purpose, and shall sign the same and date his signature. 158. Auxiliary fans.- (1) Every auxiliary fan(a) shall be installed, located and worked in such a manner that (i) a sufficient quantity of air shall, at all times, reach it so as to ensure that it does not re-circulate air; and (ii) there is no risk of the air which it circulates being contaminated by any substantial quantity of inflammable or noxious gases or dust; and (b) shall, whether driven electrically or otherwise, be efficiently connected with earth so as to avoid the accumulation of an electrostatic charge; and (c) shall have an approved type of air-duct for conducting the air to or from the face or blind end; and such airduct shall be so maintained as to minimise any leakage of air and to ensure an adequate supply of air to within 3.0 metres of the face or blind end.

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(2) No auxiliary fan shall be started, stopped, removed, replaced or in any way altered or interfered with, except by or on the authority of an official. (3) No person shall enter or remain in any place which is dependent for its ventilation on an auxiliary fan, unless such fan is operating efficiently: Provided that whenever the ventilation of any such place has been interrupted, whether by the stoppage of the fan or otherwise, no person shall so enter or remain therein, except for the purpose of restoring the ventilation, unless the place has been examined by a competent person and declared safe. 159. Precautions against fire in ventilation appliances.(1) Every mechanical ventilator on the surface shall be installed in a suitable fire proof housing. (2) The covering of every shaft sealed off or covered for ventilation purposes, every fan drift, duct or casing and every part of a mechanical ventilator or fan within such drift, duct or casing, and every air-crossing and ventilation door shall be constructed of fire-proof material: Provided that this regulation shall not apply to the small lid of a shaft-covering operated by the rope cappel. 160. Ventilation plans to be brought up-to-date.- The manager shall ensure that, as soon as any alteration is made in the ventilation of a mine involving the erection or removal of an air-crossing or stopping or the alteration in the position of or installation of a ventilator or fan (other than an auxiliary fan) belowground, the erection, removal, alteration or installation, as the case may be, is notified to the surveyor who shall forthwith make necessary alterations on the ventilation plan maintained under regulation 70. 161. Obstructions, interruptions and alterations.(1) No material or debris shall be allowed to accumulate in any level, drive, crosscut or any other part of the working belowground so as to impede the ventilation. (2) Every roadway and working below ground which is not adequately ventilated shall be fenced or barricaded so as to effectively prevent persons entering the same. (3) If any person becomes aware of any obstruction in, or interference with, or deficiency of, ventilation in any mine or part thereof, he shall (a) if it falls within his power to remedy such obstruction, interference or deficiency, immediately take steps to do so; or (b) cease all work at that place, and shall forthwith inform his superior official of such obstruction interference or deficiency. (4) Whenever there is any interruption of ventilation by the stoppage or any mechanical ventilator, including an auxiliary fan, installed below ground, the official in charge of the mine or part shall immediately take precautionary measures including withdrawal of men, if necessary against dangers that may arise out of non-compliance with the provisions of regulation 152, to restore the ventilation in the mine or part. (5) No person shall alter the general system of ventilation in any mine or part except with the authority of the manger: Provided that, in an emergency, an official or the mine may carry out such alteration as he may deem necessary for the safety of persons, but he shall as soon as possible inform his superior official and the manager about the same in writing. 162. Precautions against gas during de-watering and re-opening.(1) No disused mine or shaft shall be de-watered except under the constant supervision of a competent person and during such de-watering, approved safety lamps or torches shall be exclusively used, and there shall also be kept burning at every place where persons are at work at least one approved flame safety lamp. (2) The first inspection of a mine or part which is re-opened after a discontinuance of mining operations for a period exceeding seven days and of any part of a mine after being de-watered shall be made by a competent person with an approved flame safety lamp or other approved apparatus for determining presence of inflammable or noxious gases and deficiency of oxygen and during such inspection, no additional light or lamp other than an approved electric torch or lamp shall be used. (3) The result of every such inspection shall be recorded in a bound paged book kept for the purpose, duly signed and dated by the persons making the inspection, and countersigned and dated by the manager. 163. Precautions against inflammable and noxious gases.(1) For the purposes of this regulation, inflammable gas shall be deemed to have been found or detected when it is indicated by the lowered flame of a flame safety lamp or, where methane indicators are used, they indicate one and a quarter percent, or more of inflammable gas. (2) When any person detects the presence of inflammable gas, he shall not brush or waft if out, but shall immediately withdraw from the place and shall inform his superior official about the same. (3) Where in any place in a mine, inflammable or noxious gas is detected, all persons shall be withdrawn from the place, and the place shall be immediately fenced off so as to prevent persons inadvertently entering the same and the competent person in charge shall, without delay, take steps to remove the gas by improving the ventilation. (4) During the removal of such gas all persons except those necessary for such removal, shall be withdrawn from the return side of the ventilating district in which the gas has been detected unless the quantity of gas is, in the opinion of the competent persons, so small that such withdrawal is not necessary: Provided that where the danger arises from the presence of inflammable gas, no naked light shall be used in the ventilating district in which the gas is detected. (5) No person shall be re-admitted into the place where the gas was detected until a competent person has examined the place and has reported that the place is free from gas and every such examination shall be made with an approved flame safety lamp and, in the case of noxious gas, also with a cage containing suitable birds or other means of detecting carbon monoxide gas approved by the Chief Inspector. (6) Particulars of every occurrence referred to in sub-regulation (2) and of every examination made under sub-regulation (5) together with a statement as to where and when the gas was found and when it was removed, and in case of inflammable gas, the percentage thereof, shall be recorded in a bound paged book kept for the purpose and every such entry shall be duly signed and dated by the competent person making the report, and countersigned and dated by the manager. 164. Inspection of unused working for gas.- In any part of a mine where the Regional Inspector may require by an order in writing, all unused working which have not been sealed off, shall once at least in every seven days be inspected by a competent person for the presence of inflammable or noxious gas and a report of every such inspection shall be recorded in a bound paged book kept for the purpose, duly signed and dated by the person who made the inspection. 165. Safety lamps to be used in belowground mines.- No lamp or light other than an approved safety lamp or torch or other installation permitted under the Electricity Rules, 2005, shall be used or permitted to be used belowground in any mine:

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Provided that the Chief Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, exempt any mine or part thereof from the operation of this regulation on the ground that on account of its special character the use of safety lamp is not necessary. 166. Determination of environmental conditions.- In every mine having working belowground extending to a depth of more than 50 metres from the surface, determinations shall, once at lest in every thirty days be made of temperature, humidity and such other environmental conditions as the Regional Inspector may by an order in writing stipulate,. at the blind end of every drivage and at such other points as the Regional Inspector may specify. 167. Contrabands.- In every mine or part, the following provisions shall have effect, namely: (a) No person shall have in his possession belowground any cigar, cigarette, biri, mobile phone or other smoking apparatus, or any match or other apparatus of any kind capable of producing a light, flame or spark : Provided that nothing in this sub-regulation shall be deemed to prohibit the use belowground of any apparatus for the purpose of shot firing or of relighting safety lamps, of a type approved by the Chief Inspector; (b) For the purpose of ascertaining whether any person proceeding belowground has in his possession any article as aforesaid, a competent person inclusive of the banksman, shall be appointed to search every such person immediately before he enters the mine; (c) The competent person shall be on duty throughout the shift, and no duties other than those under this regulation and regulation 165 shall be entrusted to him. (d) The competent person so appointed under sub-regulation (c) shall make a thorough search for the articles aforesaid and in particular shall (i) search or turn out all pockets; (ii) pass his hand over all clothings; and (iii) examine any article in the possession of the person searched, And such search shall be made every time a person proceeds belowground notwithstanding that he has been so searched previously also: (e) If the competent person suspects that the person searched is concealing any articles as aforesaid, he shall detain him, and as soon as possible refer the matter to the manager or assistant manager or underground manager and no such person shall be allowed to enter the mine until the manager or other superior official is satisfied that the person has no such article in his possession. (f) Any person who refused to allow himself to be so searched or who on being searched is found to have in his possession any of the article aforesaid, shall be guilty of an offence against this regulation. 168. Underground relighting stations.(1) In every mine, lamp stations for relighting safety lamp may be fixed by the manager at suitable places belowground. (2) Every such station shall be legibly marked RELIGHTING STATION, which shall be situated in a main intake airway, and shall be placed in charge of a competent person. (3) No person shall be appointed as a competent person under this regulation unless he holds a Gas testing Certificate. ****** **** **

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CHAPTER XIII LIGHTING AND SAFETY LAMPS

169. (1) General lighting.Adequate general lighting arrangements shall be provided during working hours (a) on the surface where the natural light is insufficient(i) in every engine house, (ii) in the vicinity of every working shaft, (iii) at every open cast working, (iv) at every shunting or marshaling yard, and (v) at every place where persons have to work; (b) belowground (i) at every shaft landing and shaft bottom or siding which is in regular use; (ii) in every traveling roadway normally used by 50 or more persons during any shift and every working stope: Provided that the provisions of this clause shall be deemed to have been complied with where electric lamps or lights are provided to every work person(iii) at the top and bottom of every self-acting incline in regular use; (iv) at every place on a haulage roadway, at which tubs are regularly coupled or uncoupled or attached to or detached from a haulage rope; (v) at every place at which tubs are regularly filled mechanically; (vi) at every room and place containing any engine, motor or other apparatus; (vii) at every stope or place where any pillar or block is under extraction; and (viii) at every first aid station below ground : Provided that the lighting fixtures installed in blind ends working which are not ventilated by a mechanical ventilator shall comply with the provisions of the Electricity Rules, 2005. (2) The lighting provided in a mine shall, as far as possible, be so arranged as to prevent glare or eye strain. (3) Where electric energy is available at the mine, the lighting arrangement made under sub-regulation (1) shall be by electrical means. (4) Where electric lighting is used, an additional light or lamp having no connection with electric supply shall be kept continuously burning (a) belowground, in every shaft bottom or landing in regular use and in every engine room; (b) on the surface, after dark, at the top of every working shaft and in every engine room; and (c) in travelling roadway and escape routes. (5) Every electrical lamp-fitting shall be so constructed as to protect it from accidental damage; and adequate precautions shall be taken to prevent lamps being damaged from shot-firing. (6) In addition to the lights required to be provided under this regulation, fluorescent or luminescent path finder or indicator of a type approved by the chief Inspector shall be provided all along the travelling roadway and in the escape route in the mine. 170. Every person to carry a light.(1) The owner, agent or manager shall provide every person employed belowground with a light or lamp adequate to enable him to perform his duties in a proper and thorough manner and no such person shall proceed or remain belowground without such light or lamp. Provided that on his return to the surface, every such person shall, unless otherwise directed by the manager by a general or special order in writing immediately return his lamp to the lamp room. (2) The number of safety lamps at every mine shall be adequate to permit thorough cleaning and checking before they are issued and if any doubt arises as to the sufficiency or otherwise of the safety lamps provided at a mine, it shall be referred to the Chief Inspector for decision. 171. Standards of lighting.(1) If any doubt arises as to whether any amp or light is of adequate lighting performance or not, it shall be referred to the Chief Inspector for decision. (2) The Chief Inspector may, from time to time, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify (a) the type of lamp to be provided to specified categories of persons employed in a mine; or (b) the standard of lighting to be provided in specified areas or places in a mine. (3) All lights and lighting fixtures used to provide required lighting at specified places in the mine shall be of a type, make and standard approved by the Chief Inspector. 172. Maintenance and examination of safety lamps.- (1) For ensuring proper maintenance of safety lamps in use in the mines, the following provisions shall have effect, namely: (a) a competent person appointed for the purpose shall clean, trim, examine and lock securely all such lamps before they are issued for use, and no such lamp shall be issued for use unless it is in safe working order and securely locked; (b) a competent person appointed for the purpose shall examine every safety lamp at the surface immediately before it is taken belowground for use and shall assure himself, as far as practicable from external observation that such lamp is in safe working order and securely locked: Provided that the person so appointed shall not perform any other duties, other than those prescribed under regulation 167(b)(c); (c) a competent person appointed for the purpose shall examine every safety lamp on its being returned after use and if on such examination, any lamp is found to be damaged or misused, he shall record the nature of the damage or misuse in a bound paged book kept for the purpose, every such entry shall be countersigned and dated by the manager; (d) the manager, assistant manager, or a competent person appointed for the purpose shall, once at least in every seven days, examine thoroughly every safety lamp in use, and shall record the result of examination of every such lamp in a bound paged book kept for the purpose; (e) no person shall be appointed as a competent person under this regulation unless he holds a Managers, Overmans or Gas testing Certificate. 173. Use of safety lamps.(1) Every safety lamp shall be numbered and so long as the lamp is in use the number thereof shall be maintained in a legible condition.

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(2) A competent person appointed for the purpose shall maintain a correct record of the lamps issued from and returned to the lamp-room, and in the record so maintained, the number of the lamp issued to a person shall be entered against his name. (3) If any person returns to the lamp-room a lamp other than the one issued to him, he shall explain the cause and circumstances of the change. (4) No unauthorised person shall either himself take or give out any safety lamp from the lamp-room. (5) Every person who receives a lamp shall satisfy himself that it is complete and in good order; and should he find any effect therein, he shall immediately return it to the lamp-room. (6) No person shall willfully damage or improperly use, or unlock or open, or attempt to unlock or open any safety lamp. (7) Should any person find that the safety lamp in his possession has become defective, he shall at once carefully extinguish the flame, if any, and report the defect to his superior official. 174. Maintenance and repairs of safety lamps and electric torch or lamp.(1) Every approved safety lamp and electric torch or lamp shall be properly assembled and maintained in good order and if any such lamp or torch is found to be defective or damaged, it shall not be used or issued for use until the defect or damage has been remedied. (2) If the wires of any gauge of a flame safety lamp and electric torch or lamp are broken or burnt away, the gauge shall not be reconditioned for further use. (3) Damaged and defective gauges, glasses or other parts of a safety lamp shall not be kept or stored in the safety lamp-room. (4) No glass of a safety lamp and no bulb of an electric safety lamp, shall be replaced except by a glass or bulb of such type as the Chief Inspector may, from time to time specify by notification in the Official Gazette; and no other part of a safety lamp (other than a wick or battery, as the case may be) shall be replaced except by a part manufactured by the manufacturers of the lamp to approved specifications. (5) No repaired part shall be used in a safety lamp: Provided that in the case of an imported safety lamp, a part manufactured indigenously may be used if it is of such design and make as is approved by the Chief Inspector. (6) In every flame safety lamp kept for the purpose of inspection or of testing for or detecting the presence of inflammable gas, no oil other than an oil of a type approved by the Chief Inspector shall be used. (7) No electric safety lamp shall be issued for use unless the covers of the battery and of the headpiece are properly assembled, securely locked and sealed, and the battery is properly charged. (8) No electric safety lamp shall be hung or held by the cable. 175. Precautions to be taken in safety lamp-rooms.(1) No unauthorised person shall enter the safety lamp room. (2) No person shall smoke in the safety lamp-room. (3) Where petrol, benzol, or any other highly volatile spirit is used in safety lamps, the following precautions shall be observed, namely:(a) lamps shall be cleaned, refitted and refilled in a separate room; (b) only such quantity of volatile spirit as is required for one working day shall be kept in any such room; (c) internal relighters shall not be taken out of lamps and cleaned, repaired or refitted on the same table were lamps are cleaned, refitted or refilled; and (d) adequate number of suitable fire extinguishers shall be provided and kept ready for use in every such room. ****** **** ** *

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CHAPTER - XIV EXPLOSIVES AND SHOTFIRING

176. Type of Explosives to be used in mines.(1) No explosive shall be used in a mine except that provided by the owner, agent or manager which shall be of good quality and, as far as can be known, in good condition. (2) No explosive, other than a fuse, a detonator, site mixed slurry or emulsion shall be issued for use in mine, or taken into or used in any part of a mine, unless it is in the form of a cartridge. (3) In belowground mines, explosive cartridges shall be used only in the form in which they are received. 177. Storage of explosives.(1) No owner, agent or manager shall store, or knowingly allow any other person to store, within the premises of a mine any explosives otherwise than in accordance with the provisions of rules made under the Indian Explosives Act, 1884. (2) Explosives shall not be taken into or kept in any building except a magazine duly approved by the Licensing Authority under the Indian Explosives Act, 1884: Provided that the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, permit the use of any store or premises specially constructed at or near the entrance to a mine for the temporary storage of explosives intended for use in the mine or of surplus explosives brought out of the mine at the end of a shift. (3) Explosives shall not be stored belowground in a mine except with the approval in writing of the Chief Inspector and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein and such storage shall be done only in a magazine or magazines duly licensed in accordance with the provisions of rules made under the Indian Explosives Act, 1884. (4) Every license granted by the Licensing Authority under the Indian Explosives Act, 1884 for the storage of explosives, or a true copy thereof, shall be kept at the office of the mine. 178. Magazines, stores and premises to store explosives.(1) Every magazine, or store or premises, where explosives are stored shall be in charge of a competent person who shall be responsible for the proper receipt, storage and issue of explosives. (2) Explosives shall not be issued from the magazine unless they are required for immediate use. (3) If any explosives are returned to the magazine or store or premises, they shall be re-issued before fresh stock is used. (4) Explosives shall be issued only to competent persons upon written requisition signed by the Blaster or by an official authorised for the purpose, and only against their signature or thumb impression and such requisition shall be preserved by the person in charge of the magazine or store or premises. (5) The person in charge of the magazine or store or premises shall maintain, in a bound paged book kept for the purpose, a clear and accurate record of explosives issued to each competent person and a similar record of explosives returned to the magazine or store or premises. 179. Cases and containers for carrying explosives.(1) No explosive shall be issued from the magazine or taken into any mine except in a case or container of substantial construction and securely locked: Provided that cases or containers made of iron or steel shall be heavily galvanised; and no case or container provided for carrying detonators shall be constructed of metal or other conductive material. (2) No detonator shall be kept in a case or container which contains other explosives, materials or tools; and two or more types of detonators shall not be kept in the same case or container: Provided that nothing in this sub-regulation shall restrict the conveyance of primer cartridges fitted with detonators in the same case or container for use in a wet working or in a sinking shaft or winze. (3) No detonator shall be taken out from a case or container unless it is required for immediate use. (4) Except as otherwise provided for in regulation 179 and 180, no case or container shall contain more than five kilograms of explosives, and no person shall have in his possession at one time in any place more than one such case or container Provided that the Chief Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, permit the carrying of a larger quantity of explosives in a single case or container, or the use, at one time in one place, of more than one such case or container. Provided further that nothing in this sub-regulation shall prohibit the conveyance of larger quantity of explosives in bulk for supplying an underground magazine. (5) Every case or container shall be numbered; and as far as practicable, the same case or container shall be issued to the same Blaster or competent person, as the case may be, every day. (6) The key of every case or container shall be retained by the Blaster in his own possession throughout his shift. 180. Transport of explosives.(1) While explosives in bulk are lowered or raised in a shaft or winze, a distinguishing mark shall be attached to the cage, skip or bucket containing the explosive; or the person in charge of explosives shall travel in the same cage, skip or bucket. (2) Every cage, skip or bucket containing explosives shall be gently lowered or raised; and it shall be the duty of the banksman or bellman, as the case may be, to adequately warn the winding engineman before the cage, skip or bucket is set in motion. (3) While explosives are being carried on a ladder, every case or container shall be securely fastened to the person carrying it. (4) No person other than a Blaster shall carry any priming cartridge into a shaft which is in the course of being sunk. (5) No priming cartridge shall be so carried except in a thick felt bag or other container sufficient to protect it from shock. 181. Transport of explosives in bulk. (1) Transport of explosives from the magazine to the priming station or the site of blasting shall not be done except in day light and in the original wooden or card Board packing case. (2) The quantity of explosive transported at one time to the site of blasting shall not exceed the actual quantity required for use in one round of shots. (3) The explosives shall be transported to the site of blasting not more than 30 minutes before the commencement of charging of the holes. (4) No mechanically propelled vehicle shall be used for the transport of explosives unless it is of a type approved in writing by the Chief Inspector: Provided that a Jeep or Land Rover or Sports Utility Vehicle may be used for the transport of detonators from magazines or priming stations subject to all the following conditions, namely:-

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(a) not more than 200 detonators are transported in a vehicle at a time; (b) the detonators are packed suitably in a wooden box; (c) the wooden box containing detonators is placed inside an outer metal case of a construction approved by the Chief Inspector; (d) the outer metal case shall be suitably bolted to the floor of the vehicle or otherwise fixed in a wooden frame so that the container is not displaced while the vehicle is in motion; and (e) no person shall ride on the rear portion of the vehicle. (5) Every vehicle used for the transport of explosives shall be marked or placarded, on both sides and ends, with the word 'EXPLOSIVES in red letters not less than 15 centimet res high on a white background and all such vehicles shall be provided with red flashing beacon light. (6) Every mechanically propelled vehicle transporting explosives shall be provided with not less than two fire extinguishers (one of dry powder type for petroleum fire and the other of Carbon Dioxide under pressure type for electrical fire) suitably placed for immediate use. (7) The vehicle used for transport of explosives shall not be overloaded, and in no case shall the explosive cases be piled higher than the sides of its body. (8) Explosives and detonators shall not be transported in the same vehicle. (9) No person other than the driver and his helper, not below 18 years of age shall ride on a mechanically propelled vehicle used for the transport of explosives. (10) A vehicle loaded with explosives shall not be left unattended. (11) The engine of a vehicle transporting explosives shall be stopped and the brakes set securely before it is loaded or unloaded or left standing. (12) A vehicle transporting explosives shall not be driven at a speed exceeding 25 Kilometers per hour. (13) A vehicle loaded with explosives shall not be taken into garage or repair shop and shall not be parked in a congested place. (14) A vehicle transporting explosives shall not be refueled except in emergencies even when its engine shall be stopped and other precautions taken to prevent accidents. (15) No trailer shall be attached to a vehicle transporting explosives. (16) Every vehicle used for the transport of explosives shall be carefully inspected once in every twenty four hours by a competent person, to ensure that(a) fire extinguishers are filled and in place; (b) the electric wiring is well insulated and firmly secured; (c) the chassis, engine and body are clean and free from surplus oil and grease; (d) the fuel tank and feed lines are not leaking; and (e) lights, brakes and steering mechanism are in good working order. (17) A report of every inspection made under sub-regulation (16) shall be recorded in a bound paged book kept for the purpose duly signed and dated by the competent persons making the inspection. (18) All operations connected with the transport of explosives shall be conducted under the personal supervision of a mine foreman solely placed in charge of blasting operations at the mine. (19) The blaster shall personally search every person engaged in the transport and use of explosives and shall satisfy himself that no person so engaged has in his possession any mobile phone, cigar, cigarette, biri or other smoking materials or any match or any other apparatus of any kind capable of producing a light, flame or spark. 182. Reserve stations.- No case or container containing explosives shall be left or kept in a mine except in a place appointed by the manager or assistant manager for the purpose and so situated that it is not frequented by work persons and every such place shall be kept clean, safe and adequately fenced and legibly marked RESERVE STATION. 183. Blasters.(1) The preparation of charges and the charging and stemming of holes shall be carried out by or under the personal supervision of a competent person, in these regulations referred to as a blaster,who shall fire the shots himself. (2) No person shall be appointed to be a blaster unless he holds(a) a Managers or Mine Foremans or Mining Mates or Blasters or Shotfireres Certificate together with a Gas-testing Certificate in case of belowground mines; and (b) a Managers or Mine Foremans or Mining Mates or Blasters or Shotfireres Certificate in the case of opencast working. (3) The competent person appointed as blaster shall not be given any other duty nor any one performing any other duty shall be allowed to perform shotfirng. (4) No person whose wages depend on the amount of mineral, rock or debris obtained by firing shots, shall be appointed to perform the duties of a blaster. (5) The manger shall fix, from time to time, the maximum number of shots that a blaster may fire in any one shift and such number shall be based on(a) the time normally require to prepare and fire a shot in accordance with the provisions of these regulations; (b) the time required for that blaster to move between places where shots are fired; (c) the assistance, if any, available to him in the performance of his said duties; and (d) any other duties assigned to him, whether statutory or otherwise, and shall not in any case exceed (i) 80 in case they are fired electrically or by means of an igniter cord and (ii) 50 in other cases: Provided that where special conditions exist, the Regional Inspector may by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein permit a larger maximum number to be fixed: Provided further that where the Regional Inspector is of the opinion that, for the proper observance of the provisions of these regulations the number of shots so fired shall be reduced, and if he so required by an order in writing, the manager shall fix a lower maximum number of shots as specified by the Regional Inspector. (6) The number of detonators issued to, and in the possession of, a blaster during his shift shall not exceed the maximum number of shots that he is permitted to fire under sub-regulation (5).

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184. (1)

Shotfiring tools.Every blaster on duty shall be provided with (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f)

a suitable shotfiring apparatus of approved type; suitable shotfiring cable of approved type; a suitable electric lamp or torch, a whistle and a stop watch; a tool, made entirely of wood, suitable for charging and stemming shotholes; a scraper made of brass or wood suitable for cleaning out shotholes; where fuses are used, a knife for cutting off fuses and, unless machine-capped fuses are provided, also a pair of suitable crimpers for crimping detonators; (g) where detonators are used, a pricker made of wood or a non-ferrous metal for priming cartridges; (h) a tool of a type approved by the Chief Inspector for detecting cracks; and (i) a circuit tester for checking shotfiring circuits. (2) No tool or appliance other than that provided as above shall be used by a Blaster. 185. Drilling, charging, stemming and firing of shotholes.(1) No drill shall be used for drilling a shothole unless it allows a clearance of at least 0.3 centimeter over the diameter of the cartridge of explosive, which it is intended to use. (2) No shothole shall be charged before it is thoroughly cleaned. (3) Before any shothole is charged, the direction of the hole shall, where practicable, be distinctly marked on the roof or other convenient place. (4) No detonator shall be inserted into a priming cartridge until immediately before it is to be used, however that in case of wet working, priming cartridges may be prepared at the nearest convenient dry place; and such primed cartridges shall be carried to the working place in a securely closed case or container. (5) Detonators once inserted into a priming cartridge shall not be taken out. (6) In belowground working, the explosive used in any shot-hole shall be of the same type. (7) In opencast mines, to use two types of explosives in any shot-hole, the manager shall frame and enforce standing orders for the safe use of explosives and a copy of the same shall be submitted to the Regional Inspector. (8) The blaster shall, to the best of his judgment, ensure that no shothole is over-charged or under-charged, having regard to the task to be performed. (9) Shots shall be fired electrically or by any other means or instruments or apparatus as approved by the Chief Inspector. (10) Every shothole shall be stemmed with sufficient and suitable non-inflammable stemming so as to prevent the shot from blowing out and only sand loosely filled in, or soft clay lightly pressed home, or a compact but not hard mixture of sand and clay or water shall be used as stemming. (11) In charging or stemming a shothole, no metallic tool, scraper or rod shall be used; and no explosive shall be forcibly pressed into a hole of insufficient size. (12) No shot shall be fired except in a properly drilled, charged and stemmed shothole. (13) No shothole shall be fired by a fuse less than 1.2 metres in length. (14) Blasting gelatin or other high explosives shall not be lighted in order to set fire to fuses. (15) All surplus explosives shall be removed from the vicinity of a shothole before a light is brought near it for the purpose of lighting the fuse. (16) As far as practicable, a shot shall be fired by the same blaster who charged it. (17) In any mine in which explosives other than gunpowder are used, every shot shall, if so required by the Regional Inspector, be fired electrically. (18) Except in a stone drift or a sinking shaft not more than 16 shots shall be fired in any one round and Where more than six shots are to be fired in one round, they shall be fired electrically or by means of an igniter cord: Provided that in the case of opencast working any number of shots can be fired in one round if they are fired electrically by an approved type of shotfiring device of adequate capacity. (19) No shothole shall be charged except those which are to be fired in that round; and all shotholes which have been charged shall be fired in one round. (20) Where a large number of shots have to be fired, shotfiring shall, as far as practicable, be carried out between shifts. (21) No person shall remove any stemming, or pull out any detonator lead, or remove any explosive, from a shothole either before firing or after a misfire, or bore out a hole that has once been charged, or deepen or tamper with empty holes or sockets. 186. Use of Ammonium Nitrate-Fuel Oil: Where in any opencast working a mixture of Ammonium Nitrate-Fuel Oil is used as explosive, the provision of this regulation shall apply, namely:(a) the Ammonium Nitrate-Fuel Oil mixture (hereinafter referred to as ANFO) shall not be used for firing without possessing a valid license for storage and preparation of ANFO explosives and also for transport of such explosives on surface from the licencing authority under the Explosives Act, 1884; (b) the mixing or impregnating of ammonium nitrate or a non-explosive mixture of ammonium nitrate with other substances with fuel oil shall be done in a special shed in the vicinity of the mine working constructed from incombustible material and equipped with remote control water sprays to combat a fire in an emergency; (c) if mechanical mixer is used, the machine in which the mixing takes place, shall be of a type approved by the licencing authority under the Explosives Act, 1884; (d) the design of mixer shall be such as to minimise the possibility of frictional heating, compaction and confinement; (e) bearings and gears shall be protected against accumulation of product dusts and shall preferably by outboard type; (f) persons employed on mixing shall wear rubber gloves; (g) the mixer shall be thoroughly cleaned after use; (h) smoking, open flames or any other source of fire shall not be allowed when mixing, carrying or handling operations are being carried on; (i) when mixing, loading, charging or handling operations are being carried on, any naked light or fire shall not be allowed to be brought within 10 metres of the shot hole or the explosive; (j) the area surrounding the place of mixing for a distance of atleast 10 metres shall be kept free of rubbish, dry grass or other combustible materials. (k) the mixture shall be kept in water-proof bag until the time of use. The bags shall be kept separate from all other materials.

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(l) the mixture shall be carried only in containers of wooden or of similar materials or in polythene bags kept inside jute or rexin bags and not in a metallic container. (m) only the necessary minimum number of person shall be allowed to be present at the premises where the process of mixing is being done. (n) liquid fuels with a flash point lower than that of diesel fuel shall not be used. More volatile fuels such as gasoline, kerosene or number one diesel fuel oil shall not be used for mixing with ammonium nitrate. (o) crude oil or crank case oil shall not be used for mixing with ammonium nitrate. (p) the cap sensitivity of a composition of ANFO shall be determined at a regular interval and after every change in proportion, and character of ingredients. (q) ANFO explosives shall be manufactured in quantities only immediately required for use; Provided that if for unforeseen circumstances, explosives in excess of immediate requirement is prepared it shall be packed in an inner package of polythene and outer package of wood or fire Boardand removed to the magazine licenced for storage of such mixture. (r) persons engaged in the process of firing with ANFO explosive including the Blaster or Shotfirer shall be previously trained in correct techniques of such blasting. (s) adequate priming shall be done to guard against misfires, increased toxic fumes and poor performance. The kind and amount of primer used shall be governed by the sensitivity of the explosive, hole diameter and other factors. (t) if a pneumatic loader (hereinafter referred to as ANFO loader) is to be used, the following precautions shall be taken, namely:(i) the ANFO loader shall be regularly examined by a competent person appointed by the manager to ensure proper operation of the injector and other parts; (ii) pneumatic equipment used for loading ANFO explosives shall be adequately grounded to dissipate any static charges that may be generated during the loading operation; (iii) water lines, air-lines, rail, or any permanent electrical grounding system shall not be used to ground pneumatic loading equipment; (iv) the owner, agent or manager of the mine shall within a period of thirty days of using ANFO explosives in the mine submit to the Regional Inspector a notice giving details of the method and the precautions to be taken during firing operations. 187. Deep-hole blasting.- The blast holes made more than 3 metre in depth may be called deep-holes and where deepholes are blasted in an opencast mine, the following provisions shall apply, namely:(a) the position of every deep-hole to be drilled, shall be distinctly marked by the foreman so as to be readily identified by the driller; (b) no drilling shall be commenced in an area where shots have been fired, until the balster or shot-firer has made a thorough examination at all places, including the remaining portion of old blast holes for unexploded charges; (c) no drill rod or pick shall be inserted in remaining portion of old blast holes; (d) after completion of drilling the holes shall be kept plugged or covered till loading is commenced; (e) notwithstanding anything contained in clause (b) of sub- regulation (2) of regulation 183, the firing of deep-holes shall be done by a person holding a Managers or a Mine Foremans certificate; (f) shots shall not be fired except during the hours of day light, as far as practicable, the shotfiring shall be carried out either between the shifts or during rest interval or at the end of the work for the day: Provided that all holes charged on any one day, shall be fired on the same day: Provided further that where special conditions exist, the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, relax from the operation of this clause any working in case of which special difficulties exist which in his opinion make compliance with the provisions thereof not reasonably practicable or unnecessary. (g) during the approach and progress of an electric storm,(i) no explosive or detonators shall be handled; (ii) if loading or charging operations have begun, the work shall be discontinued until the storm has passed; (iii) if the shots are to be fired electrically, all exposed wires shall be coiled up and if practicable, placed in the mouths of the holes or kept covered with non-metallic objects; (h) when detonating fuse is used for blasting, such fuse shall not be cut after it has been inserted into a shot hole; (i) no cartridge of any explosives shall be dumped freely into a shot hole without using proper lowering device; (j) no person shall be allowed to possess or use any mobile phone or radio transmitters during transport and handling of explosives. 188. Electric shotfiring.(1) No shot shall be fired except by means of a suitable shotfiring apparatus of a type approved by the Chief Inspector; and the number of shots fired at any one time by the apparatus shall not exceed the number for which it is designed. (2) Every electrical shotfiring apparatus shall be so constructed and used that (a) it can only be operated by a removable handle or plug; (b) the handle or plug shall not be placed in position until a shot is about to be fired and shall be removed as soon as a shot has been fired; and (c) the firing circuit is made and broken either automatically or by means of a push-button switch. (3) No apparatus shall be used which is defective and every apparatus shall once at least in every three months, be cleaned and thoroughly overhauled by the manufacturer or his authorised representative. (4) If the apparatus fails to fire all the shots in a properly connected circuit, the blaster shall return the apparatus to the manger or assistant manager as soon as possible, and it shall not be used again unless it has been tested on the surface and found to be in safe working order. (5) The result of every overhaul, test or repair as aforesaid shall be recorded in a bound paged book kept for the purpose duly signed and dated by the person making the overhaul, test or repair. (6) No current from a signaling, lighting or power circuit shall be used for firing shots. (7) The blaster shall (a) retain the key of the firing apparatus in his possession throughout his shift;

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use a well-insulated cable of sufficient length to permit him to take proper shelter and in case of belowground working sufficient to take two right angle turns of pillar , and in no case, shall this cable be less than 50 meters in length; (c) before coupling the cable to the firing apparatus, couple up the cable itself to the detonator leads; (d) take care to prevent the cable from coming into contact with any power or lighting cable or other electrical apparatus; (e) take adequate precautions to protect electrical conductors and apparatus from injury; (f) himself couple the cable to the firing apparatus; and before doing so, see that all persons in the vicinity have taken proper shelter as provided under regulation 189 ; and (g) after firing the shots and before entering the place of firing, disconnect the cable from the firing apparatus. (8) Where more than one shot are to be fire at the same time;(a) care shall be taken that all connections are properly made; (b) all shots if fired belowground shall be connected in series; (c) the circuit shall be tested either for electrical resistance or for continuity before connecting it to the firing apparatus and such a test shall be made with an apparatus specifically designed for the purpose and only after all persons in the vicinity have taken proper shelter as provided under regulation 189; (d) the cable to the shotfiring apparatus shall be connected last; and (e) detonators of the same electrical resistance shall only be used. 189. Taking shelter etc.(1) The blaster shall, before a shot is charged, stemmed or fired, see that all persons other than his assistants, if any, in the vicinity, have taken proper shelter and he shall also take suitable steps to prevent any person approaching the shot and shall himself take adequate shelter, along with his assistants if any, before firing the shots. (2) In the case of an opencast working the blaster shall not charge or fire a shot (a) unless he has taken the precautions laid down in sub-regulation (1); (b) unless sufficient warning, by efficient signals or other means approved by the manager, is given over the entire area falling within a radius of 500 metres from the place of firing (hereinafter referred to as the danger zone) and also he has ensured that all persons within such area have taken proper shelter; and (c) where any part of a public road or railway lies within the danger zone, unless two persons are posted, one in either direction at the two extreme points of such road or railway which fall within the danger zone who have, by an efficient system of telephonic communication or hooter or loudspeakers or other means approved by the Chief Inspector or Regional Inspector intimated clearance of traffic to the blaster and have also warned the passersby and whenever possible the vehicle also, if any, which have passed by such road or railway. (3) In the case of an opencast working, where any permanent building or structure of permanent nature, lies within the danger zone, the aggregate maximum charge per delay and per round shall be fixed by a scientific study and permission in writing for such blasting shall be obtained from the Chief Inspector, who may specify the conditions for such blasting. (4) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-regulation (3), the Chief Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify, exempt any mine or part thereof from the operation of all or any of the provisions of subregulation (2) on the ground that the observance of its provisions is not necessary or reasonably practicable on account of the special conditions existing thereat. (5) Where the working, either above or belowground, offer insufficient protection against flying fragments or missiles, adequate shelter or other protection shall be provided. (6) When two working places belowground have approached within 9 metres of each other, the blaster shall not fire any shot in any one of the said working unless all persons have been withdrawn from the other working place and the same has been so fenced off as to prevent persons inadvertently coming in direct line of the shot. (7) Where shots are to be fired in two or more adjoining stopes, the blasters shall so arrange to time the firing of shots that shots in only one of the stopes are fired at one time. 190. Use of permitted explosives.(1) No explosive other than a permitted explosive shall be used in any mine or part to which regulation 165 applies or where the Regional Inspector may by an order in writing, require the use of such explosive. (2) In any mine or part in which the use of permitted explosives is required under sub-regulation (1), no detonator shall be used unless it is an electric detonator with a copper tube. (3) No shot of a permitted explosive shall be fired except by means of a shotfiring apparatus of a type approved by the Chief Inspector from time to time by notification in the Official Gazette: Provided that where special conditions exist, the Chief Inspector may by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, permit the use of any other shotfiring apparatus. (4) In any mine to which regulation 165 applies, the following provisions shall have effect, namely :(a) notwithstanding anything contained in the regulations, no shot shall be stemmed or fired by any person who does not hold either a Managers Certificate, or Foremans or Mates Certificate together with a Gas-testing Certificate; (b) where more shots than one are charged for firing, the shots shall be fired simultaneously and no delay-action detonator shall be used, except with the previous permission in writing of the Chief Inspector and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein; (c) If in ventilating district, presence of inflammable gas is detected in any place, no shothole shall be charged, stemmed or fired in that place or in any other place situated on its return side till such place has been cleared of gas and declared safe; (d) immediately before charging a shothole or a round of shot holes, and again before firing the shots, the blaster shall carefully test for inflammable gas at all places within a radius of 20 metres of the place of firing. 191. Approved shotfiring apparatus.- No shot shall be fired in a mine except by means of a shotfiring apparatus of a type approved by the Chief Inspector and subject to such conditions as he may specify from time to time by notification in the Official Gazette: Provided that where special conditions exist, the Chief Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein permit the use of any other shotfiring apparatus. 192. Inspections after shotfiring.(1) After a shot has been fired, no person other than the blaster or any other competent person holding a mangers or foremans certificate appointed for the purpose by the Manager shall enter, or allow any other person to enter, the place until the area is free from dust, smoke or fumes:

(b)

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Provided that the blaster or other competent person shall, before any other person enters the place, make a careful examination and with his assistants, if any, make the place safe. (2) No other person shall enter the place and where guards have been posted, they shall not be withdrawn until the examination has been made and the place has been declared to be safe in all respect. (3) In the case of opencast working, after shots have been fired, an all clear signal shall be given except in the case of a misfire. (4) After shots have been fired, all persons engaged in clearing mineral, rock or debris shall look for unexploded cartridges and detonators and if such a cartridge and detonator is found, it shall be removed and shall as soon as possible be handed over to a blaster or other official. 193. Misfires.(1) The number of shots which explode shall, unless shots are fired electrically or by means of an igniter cord, be counted by the blaster and any another competent person authorised for the purpose; and unless it is certain that all the shots have been exploded, no person shall re-enter or be permitted to re-enter the place until 30 minutes after the firing of shots : Provided that where shots are fired electrically, this interval may be reduced to not less than five minutes after the source of electricity has been disconnected from the cable. (2) In the event of a misfire, the entrance or entrances to the working place shall be fenced so as to prevent inadvertent access; and no work other than that of locating or relieving the misfire shall be done therein until the misfire has been located and relieved. (3) In opencast working, it shall be sufficient to mark the place of the misfire with a red flag. (4) In the event of a misfire, a second charge shall not be placed in the same hole. (5) The tamping may be sludged out with compressed air or water under pressure or removed by such other means as may be approved in writing by the Chief Inspector and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein and the hole shall thereafter be reprimed and fired. (6) If the misfire contains a detonator, the leads or fuse thereof shall be attached by a string to the shotfiring cable or some distinctive marker. (7) Except where the misfire is due to faulty cable or a faulty connection, and the shot is fired as soon as practicable after the defect is remedied, or where a shot has been reprimed and fired under sub-regulation (5) another shot shall be fired in a relieving hole which shall be so placed and drilled in such a direction that at no point shall it be nearer than 30 centimetres from the misfired hole and the new hole shall be bored in the presence of a blaster, preferably the same person who fired the shot. (8) After a relieving shot has been fired, a careful search for cartridges and detonators, if any, shall be made in the presence of the blaster, amongst the material brought down by the shot: Provided that in the case of working belowground if such cartridge or detonator is not recovered, the tubs into which the material is loaded shall be marked and a further search made on the surface and as far as possible, the search for the detonators and cartridges and the loading of any ore stone or debris, which may contain a detonator, shall be carried out without the aid of tools. (9) If a misfired hole is not dislodged by a relieving shot, the procedure laid down in sub-regulations (7) and (8) shall be repeated and a misfired hole which cannot be dealt with in the manner so prescribed shall be securely plugged with a wooden plug; and no person other than a blaster, an official or a person authorised for the purpose shall remove or attempt to remove such plug. (10) When a misfired shot is not found, or when a misfired shot is not relieved, the blaster shall, before leaving the mine, give information of the failure to such blaster or official as may relieve or take over charge from him and he shall also record, in a bound paged book kept for the purpose, a report on every misfire, whether suspected, and whether the shothole is relieved or not relieved. Provided that the relieving blaster or official shall sign the report and record in the said book the action taken for reliving the misfired shothole. (11) The blaster of the next shifts shall locate and blast the misfired hole, but if after a thorough examination of the place, where the misfire was reported to have occurred he is satisfied that no misfire has actually occurred, he may permit drilling in the place. (12) In case of opencast mines the owner, agent and manager of a mine shall draw up a plan which shall instruct all blasters the detail procedure to be followed in the event of a misfired shot. 194. Precaution in case of sockets, etc.(1) Before the commencement of drilling in any working place, the competent person in charge of the place shall see that all loose rock is removed from the face and the area lying within a radius of two metres of the proposed shothole is thoroughly cleaned or washed down with water and carefully examined for the presence of misfires or sockets: Provided that where special conditions exist, the Chief Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, grant a relaxation from these provisions. (2) If any socket is found, it shall be dealt with in the manner prescribed in regulation 193. (3) No person shall bore out a hole that has once been charged, or attempt to withdraw a charge either before firing or after a misfire, or deepen or tamper with any empty hole or socket left after shotfiring. 195. Duties of blaster at the end of his shift.- Immediately after the end of his shift, the blaster shall(a) return all unused explosive to the magazine, or where a store or premises is provided under regulation 177, to such store or premises; and (b) record, in a bound paged book in the prescribed format, the quantity of explosive taken, used and returned, the places where shots were fired and the number of shots fired by him, and misfires, if any, and every such entry shall be signed and dated by him. 196. General precautions regarding explosives.(1) No person, whilst handling explosives or engaged or assisting in the preparation of charges or in the charging of holes, shall smoke or carry or use a light other than an enclosed light, electric torch or lamp : Provided that nothing in this sub-regulation shall be deemed to prohibit the use of an open light for lighting fuses. (2) No person shall take any light other than an electric torch or an enclosed electric lamp into any explosive magazine or store or premises. (3) The owner, agent, or manager shall take adequate steps to prevent pilferage of explosives during its storage, transport and use in the mine. (4) No person shall have explosives in his possession except as provided for in these regulations, or hide or keep explosives in a dwelling house.

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(5) Any person finding any explosives in or about a mine shall deposit the same in the magazine or store or premises and every such occurrence shall be reported to the manager in writing. (6) Blaster and their helpers shall (a) not use, battery operated watches, synthetic cloths, watch strap and socks; (b) use only conducting type of foot-wears; (c ) In case of leather shoes or boots, the sole shall also be of leather and without hobnails; ****** **** ** *

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CHAPTER-XV MACHINERY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

197. Use of certain machinery belowground.(1) No internal combustion, engine or steam boiler shall be used belowground in a mine except with the permission in writing of the Chief Inspector and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein. (2) In every mine or part thereof where regulation 162 applies, only flame proof electrical apparatus and equipment shall be used belowground unless otherwise provided for under the Electricity Rules, 2005: Provided that the Central Government or the Chief Inspector or an Inspector authorised by the Central Government may, subject to such conditions as may be specified, permit the continuance of the use of non-flame proof apparatus or equipment for a specified period, not exceeding one year, in any mine, which has subsequently been classified as gassy. (3) The Chief Inspector may, from time to time by notification in the Official Gazette, specify appliances, equipment, machinery, or other material, that are or may be used in a mine, which shall be of such type, standard and make as approved by the Chief Inspector by a general or special order, and where any such appliance, equipment, machinery or other material had been specified by the Chief Inspector any such appliance, equipment, machinery, or material, other than that approved by the Chief Inspector as aforesaid, shall not be used in any mine. (4) Where in respect of any appliance, equipment, machinery or other material, the Chief Inspector has not issued any notification under sub-regulation (3) and any such appliance, equipment, machinery or material is used in any mine, the Chief Inspector or Regional Inspector may, if he is of the opinion that the use of such appliance, equipment, machinery, or material is likely to endanger safety in the mine, by an order in writing, prohibit the use thereof until the same is approved by the Chief Inspector. 198. Approved machinery, equipment and devices.(1) The owner, agent or manager of a mine while acquiring any approved type of machinery, equipment, apparatus, device, lamp, light, materials, etc. shall ensure that they conform to approved specifications in all respects and shall also be responsible for maintaing them as per the approved standard. (2) A copy of approval of every approved machinery, equipment and device being used shall be kept at the office of the mine. (3) Where machinery is used for lifting, pulling, drilling (other than by hand held drill), dinting, ripping, cutting, loading, hauling, dumping, etc., safe code of practices separately for each type of machinery with respect to the method of work, shall be framed and enforced which shall include for the control and guidance of persons employed for the erection, installation, operation, repairs, maintenance, dismantling and transportation of such machinery and ancillary equipments as well as for the prevention of accident and to provide for the safety, health, convenience and discipline of the persons so employed and the engineer authorised for the purpose shall be responsible for the implementation of above safe code of practices. (4) Where surface transportation and handling machinery, repair sheds or workshops are provided, safe code of practices for their erection, installation, operation, repairs, maintenance, dismantling and transportation of such machinery, plants and ancillary equipments as well as for the prevention of accident and to provide for the safety, health, convenience and discipline of the persons so employed shall be framed and enforced and the engineer authorised for the purpose shall be responsible for the implementation of above safe code of practices. 199. General provisions about construction and maintenance of machinery.All parts and working gear whether fixed or movable, including the anchoring and fixing appliances, of all machinery and apparatus used as or forming part of the equipment of a mine, and all foundations in or to which any such appliances are anchored or fixed shall be of good design, sound construction, suitable material, adequate strength and free from visible defect and shall be properly maintained. 200. Apparatus under pressure.(1) All apparatus, used as or forming part of the equipment in a mine, which contains or produces air, gas or steam at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure shall be so designed, constructed, installed and maintained as to obviate any risk of fire, bursting, explosion or collapse or the production of noxious gases. (2) Every air receiver forming part of a compressing plant shall be fitted with a safety valve and an air gauge which shows pressure in excess of the atmospheric pressure. (3) Before an air-receiver is cased in or put in commission, the engineer or other competent person shall subject it to a hydraulic test at a pressure at least one-and-a-half times the maximum permissible working pressure and a similar test shall be made after every renewal or repair and in any case at intervals of not more than three years. (4) The result of every such test under sub-regulation (3) shall be recorded in a bound paged book kept for the purpose duly sign ed and dated by the person carrying out the test. (5) The supply of air for air-compressors shall be drawn from a source free from dust and fumes. (6) All apparatus used as or forming part of the equipment in a mine which contains or produces hydraulic fluid or emulsion under pressure shall be so designed, constructed, installed and maintained as to obviate any risk of bursting and fire. 201. Precautions regarding moving parts of machinery.(1) Every winch or windlass shall be provided with a stopper, pawl or other reliable holder. (2) Every drums, fly-wheel and every other dangerous exposed part of any machinery used as, or forming part of, the equipment in a mine shall be adequately fenced by suitable guards of substantial construction to prevent danger; and such guards shall be kept in position while the parts of the machinery are in motion or in use, but they may be removed for carrying out any examination, adjustment or repair if adequate precautions are taken. (3) It shall be the duty of the engineer in charge, the supervisory officials and other authorised persons to keep all guarding properly maintained in good condition and in the correct position. (4) No person shall, or shall be allowed to, repair, adjust, clean or lubricate machinery in motion where there is risk of injury. (5) No person shall, or shall be allowed to, shift or adjust a driving belt or rope while the machinery is in motion unless a proper mechanical appliance is provided and used for the purpose. (6) No person in close proximity to moving machinery shall wear, or be permitted to wear, loose outer clothing. (7) No unauthorised person shall enter any engine room or in any way interfere with the engine. 202. Engine rooms and their exits.- Every engine, motor, transformer and battery charging room, and every room in which highly inflammable materials are stored on the surface shall be kept clean, and be provided with at least two exists and every such exit shall be properly maintained and kept free from obstruction.

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203 Working and examination of machinery.(1) No machinery shall be operated otherwise than by or under the constant supervision of a competent person. (2) In every mine or part thereof where regulation 165 applies, no person shall be appointed to supervise or operate any electrical machinery, apparatus or appliance other than a telephone or signaling device or an electric lamp or light, unless he holds a Gas-testing Certificate. (3) Every competent person shall whilst on duty be provided with and carry an approved flame safety lamp or any other apparatus for determination of inflammable gas as approved by the Chief Inspector and check for presence of inflammable gas in the atmosphere. (4) Every person in charge of any machinery, apparatus or appliance shall, before commencing work, see that it is in proper working order; and if he observes any defect therein, he shall immediately report the fact to the manager, engineer or other competent person. (5) Every person in charge of an air-receiver shall see that no extra weight is added to the safety valves and that the permissible pressure of air is not exceeded. (6) A competent person or persons appointed for the purpose shall, once at least in every seven days, make a thorough inspection of all machinery and plant in use, and shall record the result thereof in a bound paged book kept for the purpose. (7) In respect of electrical machinery and plant, the competent person shall be an engineer or electrician holding qualifications specified in the Electricity Rules, 2005. 204. Belowground face equipment, continuous mining cutting machines.(1) All self propelled face equipments, including shuttle cars, which are used in belowground mines shall be equipped with substantially constructed canopies or cabs, located and installed in such a manner that when the operator is at the operating control of such equipment he shall be protected from falls of roof, face or side. (2) In every mine to which regulation 165 applies, methane monitors shall be installed on all roof bolting machines and cutting machines, loading machines and other mechanized equipments used to extract or load mineral. (3) Roof bolting machines and loading equipments shall be equipped with adequate lighting to illuminate the workplace. (4) All face equipments used to cut mineral or drill holes for roof support shall be equipped with engineering controls such as water sprays, dust collector and air- scrubber system to control respirable mine dust. (5) Where remote controlled devices are used in belowground mines, the owner, agent and manager shall ensure(a) test the remote controlled devices to ensure they are all on separate frequencies and will not accidentally cause a machine not been intentionally operated to activate or move; (b) proper training all operators on the use of the remote control device; and (c) designing a mining plan for the use of remote control mining equipment which include the safe location for the machine operators and any other workers in the area to prevent crushing accidents while the machine is in movement, and from respirable dust and noise hazard. 205. Cranes and lifting gears.(1) All machinery used to lift or transport equipment and materials, shall be designed, constructed and erected, inspected, maintained and operated as specified by the manufacturer. (2) The rated capacity and/or legible load chart, where appropriate, of a crane, hoist, grab or winch shall be permanently marked on the structure and clearly visible, without in any case, exceeding the rated capacity. (3) No person shall load any crane, grab or winch in excess of the safe working load except for the purpose of a test which shall be carried out by an authorised person only in a manner specified by the manufacturer. (4) The rated capacity of a hoist shall not exceed the capacity of the structure supporting the hoist. (5) Cranes and hoists shall be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure that every component is capable of carrying out its original design function, and records shall be kept thereof. (6) A crane or hoist shall not be used until any condition that could endanger workers is remedied. (7) All installations, modifications and repairs to load-bearing equipment shall be certified by a competent person or authorised organization in accordance with the original design and safety standard. (8) All cranes or hoists with a boom that is movable in the vertical plane shall(a) have a device that can be clearly read by the operator, to indicate the boom angle if the rated capacity is affected; and (b) be fitted with an automatic load indicator showing the safe working load. (9) All modifications that affect the rated capacity of a crane or hoist shall be assessed, and the rated capacity shall be adjusted by the original equipment manufacturer, a competent person or authorised organisation. (10) There shall be a safe means of access and egress to the operators position and to maintenance locations for all cranes and hoists. (11) If a normal means of egress is not always available to the operator, then an alternative safe means shall be provided to get from the operating position to a safe area in the event of a power failure or other emergency. (12) Effective audible and visual communications devices shall be installed on a crane or hoist. (13) The crane or hoist operator shall sound a warning signal when it is necessary to alert workers. (14) All controls on a crane or hoist shall be clearly identified and shall return to neutral when released, and an automatic braking system shall be activated. (15) The operator of a crane or hoist shall be protected against hazardous conditions such as airborne contaminants, falling or flying objects and excessive heat or cold. (16) The operators seat on a crane or hoist shall be of an ergonomic des ign that allows the operator to operate the equipment safely. (17) All the hooks, hook guards or latches, wire ropes, chains and other attachments and fittings that may be safety critical shall be maintained and inspected on a regular basis. (18) The operator of a crane or hoist shall perform a check at the start of each shift and test the limit switch and record of the check shall be kept. (19) Transport routes for cranes shall be clear of obstructions and transport routes for wheeled or tracked cranes shall, as far as practicable be level. (20) Training shall be given for crane operators to ensure proper and safe operation of the crane and rigging loads. 206. General precautions.(1) All machinery and plant used in connection with working of a mine shall be of good design, sound construction, suitable material, adequate strength, free from patent defect and properly maintained.

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(2) The owner, agent and manager shall provide adequate training facilities and training of an adequate number of persons to effectively fulfill the requirements of these regulations. (3) No person except a qualified engineer or mechanic or a competent person under his supervision shall undertake any work on machinery and plant where technical knowledge or experience is required. ****** **** **

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Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012

CHAPTER - XVI MISCELLANEOUS

207. Fences.(1) Every tank or reservoir or other dangerous place in or about a mine, which has been formed as a result of, or is used in connection with, mining operations, shall be kept securely fenced. (2) Every fence erected on the surface shall, once at least in every seven days, be examined by a competent person and a report of every such inspection shall be recorded in a bound paged book kept for the purpose, duly signed and dated by the person who made the examination. (3) Any fence, gate or barricade may be temporarily removed for the purpose of repairs or other operations, if adequate precautions are taken. (4) If any doubt arises as to whether any fence, guard, barrier or gate provided under these regulations is adequate, proper or secure, or as to whether the precautions taken under sub-regulation (3) are adequate, it shall be referred to the Chief Inspector for decision. 208. Notices.- Where at any place smoking or unauthorised entry is prohibited, notices to that effect shall be posted at conspicuous places at every entrance to the place. 209. Danger from poisonous substances.(1) At every mineral dressing or separating plant where cyanide or other poisonous substance is used, there shall be kept a sufficient supply of a satisfactory and efficient antidote for poisoning. (2) Water containing poisonous or injurious matter in suspension or solution must be effectively fenced off to prevent inadvertent access to it, and notice boards shall be put up at suitable places to warn persons from making use of such water. (3) In no case shall water containing any poisonous matter in suspension or solution in a dangerous concentration be permitted to escape. 210. General Safety.- No person shall negligently or willfully do anything likely to endanger life or limb in the mine, or negligently or willfully omit to do anything necessary for the safety of the mine or of the persons employed therein. 211. Use, Supply, maintenance of protective footwear.(1) No person shall go into, or work in, or be allowed to go into, or work in a mine, unless he wears a protective footwear of such type as may be approved by the Chief Inspector by a general or special order in writing. (2) The protective footwear referred to in sub-regulation (1) shall be supplied free of charge, at intervals not exceeding six months, by the owner, agent or manager of a mine who shall at all times maintain a sufficient stock of protective footwear in order to ensure immediate supply as and when need for the same arises. (3) Where a footwear is provided otherwise than as aforesaid, the supply shall be made on payment of full cost. (4) The owner, agent or manager of a mine shall provide at suitable places in the mine dubbing and revolving brushes or make other suitable alternative arrangements for the cleaning of protective footwear by the persons using them: Provided that it shall be the responsibility of the person supplied with the protective footwear to arrange the repair of the same at his own cost. 212. Use and supply of helmet.(1) No person shall go into, or work in or be allowed to go into or work in, a mine, other than the precincts of a mine occupied by an office building, canteen, crche, rest shelter, first aid room or any other building of a similar type, unless he wears a helmet of such type as may be approved by the Chief Inspector by a general or special order in writing: Provided that where the Chief Inspector is of the opinion that due to special circumstances it is not necessary or reasonably practicable for any person or class of persons going into, or working in a mine to wear a helmet, he may, by a general or special order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, exempt such person or class of persons, from the operation of the provisions of this sub-regulation. (2) The helmet referred to in sub-regulation (1) shall be supplied free of charge, at intervals not exceeding three years or such other interval as the Chief Inspector may specify by a general or special order in writing, by the owner, agent or manager of a mine, who shall at all times maintain a sufficient stock thereof in order to ensure immediate supply as and when need for the same arises: Provided that when a helmet is accidentally damaged during legitimate use, the owner, agent or manager shall immediately replace the damaged helmet free of cost. (3) Where a helmet is provided otherwise than as aforesaid, the supply shall be made on payment of full cost. 213. Supply of other personal protective equipment.(1) Where it appears to the Regional Inspector or the Chief Inspector that any person or class of persons employed in a mine is exposed to undue hazard by reason of the nature of his employment, he may, by a general or special order in writing, require the owner, agent or manager of the mine to supply to such person or class of persons, free of charge, gloves, goggles, shin guards, respirator or such other protective equipment as may be specified in the order. (2) The protective equipment provided under sub-regulation (1) shall be replaced free of charge by the owner, agent or manager whenever it is rendered unserviceable by legitimate use and in any other event, the replacement shall be made on payment of full cost. (3) If any dispute arises as to the life of any protective equipment, it shall be referred to the Chief Inspector for decision. 214. Obligation of persons provided with personal protective equipment.- Whenever any person is supplied by the owner, agent or manager of a mine with any personal protective equipment, he shall use the same while doing the work for which he is supplied with such protective equipment. 215. Information about sickness.- Every official or competent person shall, in case of sickness or of absence, give early and sufficient notice thereof to his superior official or the assistant manager or the manager, as the case may be, so that a substitute may be arranged. 216. Man power distribution plan. During the first week of every month, a survey shall be made of the number of persons normally employed in every district and other places belowground in the mine; and a sketch plan showing the results of such a manpower survey, and signed and dated by the manager, shall be kept in the office of the mine and a copy thereof shall be kept with the attendance clerk. 217. Mining mates and foremen.(1) No person shall be appointed as a competent person under regulations 36(1), 80, 109, 140(4), 144(5), 157(10), 158(3) and 162 unless he is the holder of either a Forem ans or a Managers Certificate: Provided that in the case of mine having working belowground, the certificate aforesaid shall be one which is not restricted to mines having opencast working only.

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(2) No person shall be appointed as a competent person under regulations, 136, 137, 146, 149(5), 162 and 163, unless he is the holder of either a Mates or a Foremans or a Managers Certificate: Provided that (a) in the case of a mine having working belowground, the certificate aforesaid shall be one which is not restricted to mines having opencast working only; and (b) in the case of a mine to which regulation 165 applies, every person holding a Mates or Foremans Certificate shall also hold a Gas-testing Certificate. (3) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-regulation (2), the Chief Inspector may, where special conditions exist, permit or require appointment of any person, not necessarily holding either a managers or Foremans or a Mining Mates certificate as a competent person under regulation 136, if such person possess otherwise a suitable qualification and experience for effective supervision of the working places. 218. Officials to be literate.- No person shall be appointed as an official of a mine unless he is literate and is conversant with the language of the district in which the mine is situated or with the language understood by a majority of the persons employed in the mine: Provided that so much of this regulation as requires a person to be conversant with the language of the district or of the majority of persons, shall not apply to managers, assistant managers, engineers and surveyors. 219. Writing of reports.(1) If any person required to make any report is unable to write, he shall be present when his report is written for him and shall have it read over to him, and shall then attach his thumb mark to it or sign it. (2) The competent person writing the report shall certify that it has been read over to the person for whom it was written, and shall sign the certificate and date his signature. 220. Payment of fees.- Any fees payable under these regulations shall be paid by means of a Crossed Indian Postal Order or Bank Draft and any other means as specified from time to time by the Chief Inspector. 221. Place of accident.(1) Whenever an accident occurs in or about a mine causing loss of life or serious bodily injury to any person, the place of accident shall not be disturbed or altered before the arrival or without the consent of the Chief Inspector or the Inspector to whom notice of the accident is required to be given under sub-section (1) of section 23 of the Act unless such disturbance or alteration is necessary to prevent any further accident, to remove bodies of the deceased, or to rescue any person from danger, or unless discontinuance of work at the place of accident would seriously impede the working of the mine. Provided that where the Chief Inspector or the said Inspector fails to inspect the place of accident within seventy-two hours of the time of the accident, work may be resumed at the place of accident. (2) Before the place of accident involving a fatal or serious accident is disturbed or altered due to any reason whatsoever, a sketch of the site illustrating the accident and all relevant details shall be prepared (in duplicate) and such sketch shall be duly signed by the manager or assistant manager, safety officers, surveyor and the workmens inspector or, where there is no workmens inspector by a work person present at the place of accident , supported by the photographs of the place of accident: Provided that if the place is disturbed or altered to prevent further accident or rescue persons from danger before the sketch could be prepared, the same shall be prepared immediately thereafter giving all relevant details as existed before the place was disturbed or altered. (3) One of the authenticated sketches, as mentioned in sub regulation (2) shall be delivered or sent to the concerned inspector of mines. 222. Emergency response and evacuation plan.(1) The owner, agent and manager of every mine shall have a comprehensive programme in place to respond to any injury, illness or mine emergency that may occur at each mine including foreseeable industrial and natural disasters which shall include: immediate first-aid treatment, medical treatment, transportation and evacuation of injured persons; procedures to respond to emergencies that arise at the mine; and arrangements for the rescue of persons incapacitated or trapped in metalliferous mines. (2) The plan referred to in sub-regulation (1) shall cover mine evacuations and include(a) establishment of individual responsibilities for administering actions identified to implement an emergency response; (b) establishment of emergency communication systems, procedures and individual responsibilities for carrying out emergency communications; (c) a system in place to provide immediate notification to all persons affected by the emergency, including alarms in place which shall be capable of being seen and heard by everyone affected; (d) a procedure to allow for the safe, orderly and immediate withdrawal of persons from the mine or area of danger, including training on emergency escape routes and procedures; (e) procedures in place to be followed by workers who remain to perform critical operations before they evacuate, which include:(i) the selection of only those personnel who have received special training to respond to critical operations and mine emergencies, including mine fires and explosions; (ii) having procedures in place to ensure the locations that are safe for persons who would not be immediately withdrawn; and (iii) having the personnel equipped with the necessary gas-detection equipment and other equipment or tools necessary to respond to the critical operation at hand ; (f) providing persons with particular risks with the equipment necessary for escape, such as self-contained self-breathing devices etc.; (g) a response team that is trained and equipped and immediately available to respond to fires or other hazards that create mine emergencies; (h) procedures to account for all workers after the emergency evacuation is complete; and (i) providing relevant information and training to all personnel, at all levels, including regular exercises in emergency prevention, preparedness and response procedures and periodic emergency drills. (2) The owner, agent and manager shall submit a copy of the emergency plan prepared by him to the Regional Inspector, who may, by an order in writing approve such action plan, either in the Form submitted to him or with such additions and alterations as he may think fit, and the action plan so approved shall be enforced at the mine.

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3) On receiving information of any emergency, the owner, agent and manager and in his absence the principal official present at the surface, shall immediately put emergency action plan in operation. 223. Taking samples from mine.- Where for official purposes, an Inspector considers it necessary to take samples of any mineral, rope or other material, the owner, agent or manager shall make over to him such samples in such quantities as he may require. 224. Chief Inspector, etc., to exercise powers of the Regional Inspector. Any power granted under these regulations to the Regional Inspector may be exercised by the Chief Inspector or any other Inspector authorised in writing in this behalf by the Chief Inspector. 225. Appeal to the Chief Inspector.(1) An appeal shall lie against an order made by the Regional Inspector under any of these regulations, to the Chief Inspector who may confirm, modify or cancel the order. (2) Every appeal under sub-regulation (1) shall be preferred within fifteen days of the receipt of the order by the appellant. 226. Appeal to Committee. (1) An appeal against any order made by the Chief Inspector under any of these regulations or against any order passed under regulation 225 shall lie, within twenty days of the receipt of the order by the appellant, to the Committee constituted under section 12 of the Act. (2) Every order of the Chief Inspector, against which an appeal is preferred under sub-regulation (1) shall be complied with, pending the receipt at the mine of the decision of the Committee: Provided that the Committee may, on an application by the appellant, suspend the operation of the order appealed against, pending the disposal of the appeal. 227. Repeal and savings.- The Indian Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 1961 are herby replaced: Provided that all acts done or orders issued or certificates, authorisation or permits granted or renewed under the said regulations shall be deemed to have been done, issued, granted or renewed under the corresponding provisions of these regulations. ****** **** ** *

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Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012

FIRST SCHEDULE FORM I (See regulations, 3, 6, 7, 8) Notice of opening, closing or change etc. From .. To 1. 2. 3. 4. Sir, I have to furnish the following particulars in respect of (i) at (Name) .(mineral) Mine of (owner) : _________________________________________________________________________ 1. *In case of CHANGE OF NAME OR MINE : Old name of mine .. Date of change .. ______________________________________________________________________ 2. (a) Situation of the Mine: Village Police Station ..Sub Division (Taluq).. District.State.. *(b) In case of A NEW MINE, PARTICULARS OF SITUATION OF MINE: Post Office .. Telegraph Office Railway Station Rest House. . (Give distance there from) Means of travelling ___________________________________________________________________________ Present Previous* __________________________________________________________________________. 3. (a) Name and Postal address of (ii) (a) Owner .. (b) Managing Agent, if any .. (c) Agent, if any. (d) Manager *(b) In case of change, date of change . ___________________________________________________________________________ *4. (a) Name and qualifications etc. of Manager/Assistant Manager/Underground Manger/ Engineer/Surveyor (iii) whose appointment is terminated/who is appointed (iii): (b) Date of appointment/termination of appointment (iii): ___________________________________________________________________________ *5 Date on which it is intended to open/re-open/abandon/discontinue (iii) the mine: ___________________________________________________________________________ *6 Actual date of opening/Re-opening abandonment/discontinuance (iii) of the mine: ___________________________________________________________________________ Yours faithfully, Signature . Designation: Owner/Agent/Manager Date .. INSTRUCTIONS (i) Mention the matter to which the notice refers. (ii) Need not be filled in if the notice relates to Item 4, (iii) Delete whatever is not applicable. (iv) Notice may be sent by email with hard copy followed by the speed post *Only such columns to be filled in respect of which notice in given. The Chief Inspector of Mines , Dhanbad - 826001, Jharkhand. The Regional Inspector of Mines .. .. ..

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FORM II (See regulation 4) quarterly return for the quarter ending ..19 1. Name of mine .Mineral worked . Postal address of mine 2. Situation of MinePlace.District. .. State . 3. Name of Owner .. Postal address of owner. 4. Name of Managing agents, if any .. Postal address of Managing Agents 5. Name of Agent, if any Postal address of Agent .. 6. Name of Manager . Postal address of Manager 7. Tables A to C duly filled in, are attached. Certified that the information given above and in Tables A to C below is correct to the best of my knowledge.

Yours faithfully, Signature Designation: Owner/Agent/Manager Date

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TABLE A: MACHINERY (I) Number in use 1. Rock drills : (i) (ii) (iii) 2. Heavy earth moving machinery: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) 3. Mechanical loaders used below ground : (i) (ii) (iii)

4. Conveyors : (2) (i) (ii) (iii) _____________________________________________________________________ Signature of person Signing the return INSTRUCTIONS (1) Give types separately. (2) Give length in metres. TABLE A-I: OUTPUT, DESPATCH AND STOCKOFMICA* (in kilogram) 1 2 Stock at the beginning of the quarter 3 Output during the quarter 4 5 Sale or Dispatches during the quarter Consigned by rail or road Crude mica Dressed Mica Mica Splittings Waste Mica Signature of person Signing the return INSTRUCTIONS *If any other mineral, such as beryl, is also produced from the mine, particulars relating to such minerals shall be given in Table A-II Sold locally 6 Stock at end of quarter

the the

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TABLE A-II: OUTPUT, DESPATCH AND STOCK OF MINEALS OTHER THAN MICA (a) Mineral Stock at the Output of Sale or dispatches during the Stock at the Metal worked (b) beginning of mineral (c) quarter end of the extracted if the quarter during the quarter any (b) quarter For export For home Name Qty. market consumption Signature of person Signing the return INSTRUCTIONS (a) The figures should be stated (i) in the case of gem-stones, in carats ; (ii) in the case of gold, silver and other precious metals, in grams; (iii) in the case of alum, amber, asbestos, beryl, graphite, jadestone, stealite, tin-ore, tungsten-ore, radio active minerals and rare minerals, such as, molybdenite, monazite, pitch blende, samarskite, tantalite and triplite, and also in case of tin, in kilograms; and (iv) in the case of clay, limestone, magnesite, marble, phosphatic rock, slate, salt and other stone, and all Metalliferous ores except those referred to above, and also in case of other metals, in tonnes. (b) If more than one mineral are raised or metals extracted, separate figures should be given for each one of them. (c) If the mineral is dressed, processed or treated before dispatch, the output of the dressed, processed or treated mineral (instead of crude ore), as the case may be, should be given].

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TABLE B NUMBER OF MAN-DAYS ETC. Give maximum number of persons employed on any one day during the quarter(i) in working belowground on .(a) (ii) in all in the mine on ..(a) Number of working days during the quarter:
Aggregate number of Aggregate number of man days lost on account of absence

Below ground: (i)Face Workers and Loaders (ii)Others Opencast Working: (i) Miners & Loaders (ii) Others(f) Above ground : Total

Man-days worked (b) (c) Men Women sickness

(d) Accident Leave

(e) Other cause

Total

If there is any marked increase or decrease in attendance or absence, please account for it. Signature of person Signing the return _____________

INSTRUCTIONS (a) Give day of the week and the date and month. (b) The information should cover all persons Employed in the mine as defined in clause (h) of section 3 of the Mines Act, 1952, including clerical and subordinate supervisory staff. (c) Total number of man-days worked should be obtained by adding the daily attendance for the whole quarter (d) Total number of man-days lost by absence should be obtained by adding the daily absences for the whole quarter. (e) Absences should include all cases in which a person is scheduled to work or is expected to turn up for work, but does not. All permanent employees are to be tre ated as Schedule to work. So far as temporary or casual employees are concerned, a person who attended work during the preceding week should be considered as scheduled to work during the week under consideration unless : (i) He has reported his intention to quit, or (ii) His services have been terminated by the management, or (iii) He does not turn up for work during the whole week. A person, who has not worked during the preceding week, should be considered as scheduled to work only from the day in which he joins work during the week under consideration. Absence due to strike, lockout, lay-off or maternity leave should not be included as absence here. (f) Persons employed in the removal of over burden should be included amongst others and not among Miners and Loaders. (g) The information may also be sent by email with hard copy by speed post.

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TABLE C HOURS OF WORK AND EARNINGS Information should be furnished in respect of one complete working week during the last month of the quarter (a). 1. Attendance, man-hours worked and cash earnings. Average daily Aggregate attendance number of during the man-hours week (b) worked during the week(c)

Total cash payments for work done during the week (d) Basic Dearness Other cash total wages allowance payments (e) Rs. Rs. Rs. Rs.

Below Ground: (i)Mine Foreman and Mining Mates (ii)Face Workers and Loaders (iii)Others Opencast Working: (i) Mine Forman and Mining Mates (ii) Miners & Loaders (iii) Others (Men) (f) (Women) Above Ground: (i) Clerical and Supervisor y staff (ii) Others (Men) (women) 2. 3. Total estimated value of concessions in kind (g) given during the week : Rs. Normal hours of production shifts : From 1st Shift 2nd Sift 3rd Shift 4. 5. Number of working days in the week : If there is any major change in wages or hours of work as compared to the preceding quarter, please account for the change here. To

Signature of person Signing the return _____________

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INSTRUCTIONS
(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e) (f)

(g)

(h)

The information should cover all persons employed as in Table C. Particulars relating to payments etc., to monthly paid staff should be included on a pro-rata basis. Average daily attendance should be obtained by dividing the aggregate number of attendances on all the shifts on all days during the week by the number of working days. Any day on which the mine did not work, for any cause whatsoever, should not be treated as a working day. Aggregate number of man-hours worked during the week should be obtained by adding for the whole week, the number of man-hours worked every day. The number of man-hours worked on a day is obtained by summing up the number of hours worked by each person attending work on each of the shifts during the day, including overtime worked, if any. Total cash payments should include all remuneration payable (and paid) for work done during the week before making deductions, if any, towards fines, provident fund contributions, etc., Employers contributions to the provide nt fund or on account of welfare provisions should not be included. Bonuses not payable for every pay-period should also not be included. Including over-time payments. Persons employed in the removal of overburden should be included among Others and not among Miners and Loaders or Face Workers and Loaders. Concessions in kind (such as supply of food-stuff etc. Free or at subsidized prices) should be estimated in terms of the difference between the monetary value of the food stuffs, etc. at cost price and the value realized by sale at concessional price. The information may also be sent by email with hard copy by speed post.

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First Schedule Form III (See regulation 5) Annual Return for the year ending on the 31 December, Mineral Worked : .. Table A. Identification particulars of the Mine Item description (2) Name of Mine State District Name of Zonal office of DGMS Name of Regional office of DGMS Name of Sub-regional office of DGMS Postal Address of mine
st

Item no. (1) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Detail information (3)

8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

Date of opening of mine Date of closing, if any Date of re-opening of mine, if any Name of owner Postal address of owner

13. 14.

Name of Agent Postal address of Agent

15. 16.

Name of Manager Postal address of Manager

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Item no. (1) 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24.

Item description (2) Telephone no. of Manager E-mail ID of Manager FAX No. of Manager Nature of power used Whether machinery used (Write Yes/ No) Please specify which of the tables filled up - B, C, D, E Whether all the tables are filled up(write Yes/ No) If No in item 23, please specify name of tables not filled up Please give reasons if entry is there in item 24

Detail information (3)

25.

NB: The information may also be sent by email with hard copy by speed post. Certified that the tables, as mentioned in item 22 above, in prescribed format are duly filled in & enclosed, no additional sheet is attached and information and/ figures given in all the tables are correct to the best of my knowledge. Signature of Manager with seal Place: Dated:

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Employment related table 1. Table B - Details of mandays worked, no. of days worked and average daily employment Machinery related tables 1. Table C - Details of electrical apparatus used 2. Table D - Details of machinery & equipments used other than electrical apparatus

Explosive related table 1. Table E - Details of Explosives, detonators, diesel air compressor and rock drills used Production related table 1. Table F - Details of production

Wages 1. Table W - Wages during the last week of the month of December

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Table B. Details of mandays worked, no. of days worked and average daily employment 1. Maximum number of persons employed on any one day during the year i) In below ground(BG) working : a) Number: .b) Date: .. ii) In all in the mine : a) Number: .b) Date: .. 2. Whether mechanised( Write HD if hand driven/ manual, MC if mechanized): ..
Item no. Item description Total number of mandays worked during the year No. of days worked during the year Male (6) (7) Average daily employment

Direct (1) (2) (3)

Contract (4)

Total (col. 3 + Col. 4) (5)

Female (8)

Total (col. 7 + Col. 8) (9)

1 Below ground (BG) 1.1 Foreman and Mining mates 1.2 Face workers and loaders 1.3 Others 1.4 Total 1.5 Total contract employment

2 Opencast (OC) 2.1 Foreman and Mining mates 2.2 Miners and Loaders 2.3 Others 2.4 Total 2.5 Total contract employment

3 Above ground 3.1 Clerical and Supervisory staff 3.2 Workers in any attached factory, workshop or mineral dressing plant 3.3 Others 3.4 Total 3.5 Total contract employment

Overall Total

Instructions for Table B: i) Total (items 1.4, 2.4 & 3.4) is the column total of respective items. For example item 1.4 is the column total of items 1.1 to 1.3 ii) Overall Total (item 4) is the sum of respective columns of item 1.4, item 2.4 and item 3.4
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iii) Total contract employment (items 1.5) = Total number of mandays worked on contract during the year (col. 4, item 1.4) / maximum number of days worked in any category in below ground (maximum of col. 6 of items 1.1 to 1.3) iv) Total contract employment (items 2.5) = Total number of mandays worked on contract during the year (col. 4, item 2.4) / maximum number of days worked in any category in below ground (maximum of col. 6 of items 2.1 to 2.3) v) Total contract employment (items 3.5) = Total number of mandays worked on contract during the year (col. 4, item 3.4) / maximum number of days worked in any category in below ground (maximum of col. 6 of items 3.1 to 3.3)

vi) Average daily employment of an item = Total number of mandays worked during the year of the item (col. 5) / Corresponding number of days worked (col. 6) vii) Clerical & Supervisory: Senior Supervisory Officials like Agents, Managers, Under Managers, Engineers, Doctors are excluded.

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Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012 Table C. Details of electrical apparatus used 1. Voltage at which current is used for :

i) ii)

Lighting .. Power .

2. Length of cables (in metres): i) High pressure . ii) Medium pressure .. Item no. Total number of units in use (2) (3) Installed Above ground Winding Ventilator Haulage Pump Mineral dressing plants Workshops including foundry, smithy, etc. Compressor Conveyor Electrical shovel Others Above ground Total Instructions for Table C: Total HP is the sum of HP of number of units used of the same item Item description Total HP Item no. Total number of units in use (2) (3) Installed Below ground Winding Haulage Ventilator Pump Conveyor Electric traction Item description Total HP

(1) 1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6

(4)

(1) 2 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6

(4)

1.7 1.8 1.9 1.10 1.11

2.7 2.8

Others Below ground Total

86

Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012 Table D. Details of machinery & equipment used other than electrical apparatus Item no. Item description Total number of units in use (3) Total HP Item no. Item description Total number of units in use (3) Total HP

(1) 1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4

(2) Power generation Boilers Steam turbines Diesel engines Gasoline, gas or oil engines other than diesel engines Hydraulic turbines/ Water wheels Others (Specify) Total

(4)

(1) 3 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4

(2) Installed Above ground Winding Ventilator Haulage Pump

(4)

1.5 1.6 1.7

3.5 3.6 3.7

Mineral dressing plants Workshops including foundry, smithy, etc. Others (Specify)

2 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6

Installed Below ground Winding Haulage Ventilator Pump Locomotive Others (Specify)

3.8 3.81 3.82 3.83 3.84 3.85 3.86 3.87 3.88

Heavy earth moving machinery(HEMM) Diesel shovel Dumper Dozer Loader Tractor Dragline Grader Others(Specify)

2.7

Below ground Total 3.89 Total of HEMM Instructions for Table D: Total HP is the sum of HP of number of units used of the same item

87

Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012 Table E. Details of Explosives, detonators, diesel air compressor and rock drills used Item no. (1) 1 Item description (2) Diesel air compressor Total number of units in use (3) Total HP (4)

2. Explosives Serial Name of no. explosives used (1) 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 (2) NGL NGS SL SS AN LOX Booster Gun powder Total explosive used

Quantity used (in Kg.) (3)

3. Detonators Number of detonators used Electrical (1) Ordinary (2)

4 Name of rock drill

Total number of units in use Small (1) (2) Heavy (3)

Total HP

(4)

5. Safety Lamps : Name and type of safety lamps* Number of safety lamps according to method of locking Lead rivet Magnetic Other

Mention type, such as flame type, electric hand type, electric cap type, etc.

88

Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012

Instructions for Table E: a) NG Based (Nitro compound): i) NGL: Large diameter ii) NGS : Small diameter b) Slurries (Nitrate mixture) : i) SL: Large diameter 83 mm ii) SS: Small diameter <83 mm c) AN : Amonium nitrate blasting agents d) LOX : Liquid oxygen

89

Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012

Table F. Details of production Name of mineral produced Unit of reporting quantity Opening stock as st on 1 January (3) Output of mineral (in unit as specified in Col 2) As received After processing from the mine (crude) (4) (5) Value of the mineral produced (in Rs.) (6) Despatches To Export market (7) For house consumption (8) Closing stock as on st 31 December (9)

(1)

(2)

Instructions for Table F:

i) ii) iii) iv) v) vi)

Output of all minerals are shown in tonnes except corrundum, diamond, emerald, mica and garnet Diamond is in carats Emerald is in grams Corrundum, mica and garnet are in kilograms If more than one mineral is produced, figures must be given separately for each of them. If mineral is dressed, processed or treated before dispatch, instead of reporting crude ore in col. 4 the output of the dressed, processed or treated mineral as the case may be must be given in col. 5 and also mention in parenthesis in col. 5. For example, write PR for Processed, PL for Pallets, LM for Lumps and GE for Gems. vii) Value should be calculated upon actual or estimated selling price at the pit head. Any charges incurred in transporting the mineral outside the mine should not be included.

90

Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012

Table W. Wages during the last week of the month of December Item no. Item description Average daily attendances during the week (3) Average number of manhours worked during the week Total cash payments for work done during the week(in Rs.) (4)

(1) 1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4

(2) Below ground (BG) Foreman and Mining mates Face workers and loaders Others Total BG

2 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.4

Open cast (OC) Foreman and Mining mates Miners and Loaders Others- Male Others- Female Total OC

3 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4

Above ground (AG) Clerical and Supervisory staff Others- Male Others- Female Total AG

Overall Total (item1.4+item 2.4+item 3.4)

Instructions for Table W: Contractual employment to be taken into account in reporting average daily attendances. Clerical & Supervisory: Senior Supervisory Officials like Agents, Managers, Under Managers, Engineers, Doctors are excluded.

91

Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012

FORM IV-A
(See regulation 9) Notice of Accident/ Dangerous Occurrence From: To 1. The Chief Inspector of Mines/Director General of Mines Safety, Dhanbad-826001 2. The Regional Inspector of Mines/Director of Mines Safety Region/ Dy. Director in-charge of Sub-Region. 3. The District Magistrate/District Collector. 4. The Electrical Inspector of Mines/Director/Dy. Director of Mines Safety (Electrical) (Elect. Accidents only) Sir, I have to furnish the following particulars of a fatal/serious accident/a dangerous occurrence (*) which occurred at the ____________ (**) mine of _________ (owner). 1.0 Mine Code (nnnnnn) 2.1 Date of accident(dd/mm/yy) 3.0 Particulars of the mine (If mine code is not known) 3.1 Mineral: 3.3 Post Office: 3.5 Police Station: 3.7 District: 3.9 Owners address: Particulars of the Accident: 4.1 No./Name of shift : 4.2 Cause code: (nnnn) 4.3.1Place code (n) : 4.4 No. of persons killed: 4.6 Location of accident : 4.6.1 Pit/Incline No. : 4.6.3 Seam/vein : 4.6.5 Distance from the face (in mtrs) (if within district) Particulars of person(s) involved : Name of victim Designation Desig. Code (nn) If contract or worker (Y/N) Sex (M/F) Age (Years) (nn) Hours at work (hhmm) Nature of injury and cause of death 2.2 Time of Accident (hhmm)

3.2 Village: 3.4 Pin Code: 3.6 Sub Division/Taluq: 3.8 State :

4.0

4.3.2 Working code (n) : 4.5 No. of persons seriously injured:

4.3.3 Site Code(n) :

4.6.2 District/Panel/bench/outside working district : 4.6.4 Level, dip no. : 4.6.6 Details not covered above :

5.0 Sl No.

Killed : 1. 2. 3. Seriously injured : 1. 2. 3. 6.0 7.0 7.1 Brief description of the cause of accident/occurrence : Immediate last accident: Type of accident: [F][S]

7.2 Date of immediate last accident

Particulars in respect of every persons killed or; injured in Form IV-B are enclosed/shall be forwarded within a week (*) Yours faithfully, Signature: Name in block letters: Designation: (Owner/Agent/Manager) Date : Place * delete whichever is not applicable. ** name of mine

Note:

The information may also be sent by email with hard copy by speed post.

92

Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012

CODES TO BE USED IN FORM IVA

CAUSE CODE CODE 0111 0112 0199 0221 LONG NAME Fall of roof Fall of sides Other fall of ground Overwinding of cages/ skips etc. Other accidents/ Dangerous occurrences due to winding Rope haulage Conveyors Dumpers Other wheeled trackless Other non-winging machinery HEMM other than dumpers Other machinery Explosives Electricity Spontaneous heating Other accidents/dangerous occurrences due to dust/gas/fires Fall of persons Fall of objects Other (falls other than ground movement) Other than above WORKING CODE CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 9 LONG NAME Development Longwall Depillaring/stoping Coal/Ore bench O/B bench Waste dump others For office use only ACCCLASS PLCCODE COSCODE RESP OPERATION SCRUTINY DE PLACE CODE CODE 1 2 3 LONG NAME Below ground Opencast Above ground DESIGNATION CODE CODE 20 30 41 42 43 44 49 50 59 60 71 72 79 99 LONG NAME Management Subordinate Supervisory officials Loaders Support Personnel Dresser Shotfirer Other B/G face worker Other B/G worker Trammer Fitter Dumper operator Truck etc. operator Other operators Any other

0299

0332 0334 0335 0339 0399 0448 0499 0500 0600 0775 0799

0881 0883 0899 0999

SITE CODE 1 2 3 4 Haul Road Rope Haulage Road Other Roadways Miscellaneous

93

Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012

FORM IV-B (See regulation 9) Particulars of deceased/injured person(s) (to be submitted within 7 days of occurrence) 1.0 1.1 1.3 2.0 S.No. General Name of Mine: Name of Owner: Details of the injured/deceased workers: Name(s) of victim(s) Injury code(n) Body part Code (nn) Ex-gratia payment made (Rs) Compens ation paid (Rs) Other benefits if any Total Experience (months) What was the Experienc If vocae of victim tionally in trained in job being done at the time of accident (Months) (Yes/No) Initial vocational training (Yes/No) Date of refresher training Nature of job (regular/ temporary Cause of death 1.2 1.4 Mine code (nnnnnn) : Date of accident

(dd/mm/yy) :

Killed 1. 2. 3. Seriously injured 1. 2. 3. 3.0 S.No. Responsibility for the accident: Name(s) of person(s) held responsible

Desig. Code(nn)

Designation

Rules/Reg. Contravened

Nature of contraventions

Action taken

4.0

As a sequel to this accident: 4.1 Loss of production (in tonnes):

4.2 Loss of manshifts : (Indirect loss)

5.0 Date: Place:

Could the accident have been averted, if so, how? Signature: Name in block letters: Designation: Owner/Agent/Manager

94

Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012

CODES TO BE USED IN FORM IV-B

PARTS OF BODY CODES (NN)

INJURY CODES (N) CODE 1 2 3 4 LONG NAME Amputation Fracture Internal injury Others

CODE 10 12 31 32 34 38 40 45 49 50 99

LONG NAME Head Eye Back Chest Pelvis Spinal column Upper limb Fingers Other upper limbs Lower limbs Others

95

Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012

FORM IV-C (Regulation 9) Particulars of injured person returning to duty (to be given in respect of every person within 15 days of his return to duty) 1.0 1.1 1.3 General: Name of Mine: Name of Owner: 1.2 1.5 Mine code (nnnnnn): 1.4 Date of accident Time of Accident (hhmm):

(dd/mm/yy)

S.No.

Name(s) of injured worker(s)

Date of return to duty (dd/mm/yy)

Whether returned to regular or other job Lost

Permanent disablement Part(s) of body gone out of use

Ex-gratia payment made(Rs.)

Statutory compensation paid (Rs.)

Benefits to dependents or other benefits

1. 2. 3. 4.

Date: Place:

Signature: Name in Block letters: Designation: Owner/Agent/Manager

96

Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012

FIRST SCHEDULE FORM V (See regulation 10) Notice of Disease notified under section 25 From: .. 1. The Chief Inspector of Mines.Dhanbad,826001 2. The Regional Inspector of Mines .. 3. The Inspector of Mines (Medical), Dhanbad E .R. . 4. The District Magistrate/District Collector Sir, I have to furnish the following particulars with respect to an occupational disease contracted by a person employed in the Mine (also state name of mineral produced) of . (Owner): 1. PARTICULARS OF THE MINE ETC: (i) Situation of mine Village Post office.. Police station.. Sub-Division (Taluq). District.. State. (ii)Mineral worked . (iii)Name and postal address of owner 2. PARTICULARS OF PERSON AFFECTED : (I) (II) (III) Name (in Block Capitals) .. Caste or surname Permanent address

Village Post office.. Police station.. Sub-Division (Taluq). District.. State. (IV) Sex.. (V) Date of birth (or age). (VI) Occupation How long engaged ? (VII) Date of commencement of employment : (a) in your mine . (b) In mining . 3. PARTICULARS OF DISEASE ETC. : (i) Nature of disease from which the person is suffering (state stage) (ii) Date of detection of disease .. (iii) Name, registration number and address of Medical Practitioner suspecting disease Signature Designation: Owner/Agent/Manager Date .. 97

Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012 [FORM VI] (See regulation 124) Name of Mine .Owner Manager Ore body/vein etc. Section/Area etc. Inspected by Accompanied by Shri ..on .20 Places Inspected Mines Act/Metallifer ous Mines Regulations/ Mines Rules/Section Clause/ Number etc. Contravention observed Action taken by Management to remedy the contravention Date of rectification of the contravention Remarks, if any

The contraventions mentioned above are not exhaustive. A letter giving the details of other contravention observed may follow in due course,
Signature of Inspection Officer (IO) Date: Designation: Signature of Mine Official accompanying I.O Date: Designation:

98

Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012 FIRST SCHEDULE FORM VII (See regulation 31) MANAGERS CHARGE REPORT Name of Mine Name of Owner Name of outgoing Manager Name of incoming Manager 1.0

General information about the mine

2.0 Details of Working

2.1

Present Working

2.2

Past Working

2.3

Future Working

3.0

Information about Gases:

3.1

Problems of Gases

4.0

Information about Fires and Heating

4.1

Problems of Fires or Heating

5.0

Information on Strata and Geological disturbances

5.1

Problems of Strata and Dumps

6.0

Sources of Water from Surface

6.1 7.0

Precautions against Danger of inundation from Surface Water Sources of Water from belowground or adjoining mines

7.1

Precautions against Danger of Inundation from Underground Sources of Water 99

8.0 9.0 10

Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012 Ventilation and Problems if any Working near important Surface Features Other important matters from the point of view of safety required to be attended by the incoming manager

Signature of incoming Manager Date

Signature of the outgoing Manager Date..

100

Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012 SECOND SCHEDULE CONVENTIONS FOR PREPARING PLANS AND SECTIONS SEE REGULATION 69 (2)

Symbols Co-ordinate Lines Boundary of Mining Lease Hold Outcrop of Dyke Subsidence of Surface Prohibited Mining Area (a) Borehole (Vertical) from Surface (b) Boreholes (Inclined) From Surface (c) Boreholes (Underground) (a) Shafts (b) Abandoned Shafts Winze Adit

Remarks In Black In Red In Brown In Red In Red In Red In Red In Red In Black In Black According to Shape

101

Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012

Symbols Cross-Cuts Levels

Remarks

Vertical Projection of Under Ground Workings (a) Packs and Sand Filling (b) Waste Rock Filling (c) Granite Pack Walls (a) Fault Planes (b) Pegmatite Intrusions Dyke Date of Last Survey (a) Survey Station

In Black

In Black In Black In Black In Green In Blue In Brown

In Black

In Black

102

Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012

Symbols Bench Mark (a) Brick, Stone or Concret Ventilation Stoppings (b) Horizontal Seals Brattice (a) Fire Dams or Seals, Open (b) Fire Dams or Seals Closed Water Dams (a) Doors Open (b) Doors Closed Regulators

Remarks In Black In Black

In Black In Red In Red In Red In Blue In Black In Black In Red

Air Crossings (a) Direction of Air Current Intake (b) Return In Blue In Red

103

Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012

Symbols Auxiliary Fan

Remarks

Telephones

In Green

Underground Ambulance Station Fire Refuge Chamber

In Red

In Black

Underground Magazine In Blue Pump Station In Yellow Outcrop Reef, Vein, Load ETC. Permanent Station

[File No. S-29025/02/2009-ISH.II]

(A.C.Pandey) Joint Secretary to the Government of India.

104

The Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012

DRAFT
[To be published in the Gazette of India Extraordinary, Part II, Section- 3-Sub section (i)]

Ministry of Labour and Employment

NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, dated , 2012.

G.S.R.-----------------(E).The following draft regulations namely the Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2010, which the Central Government proposed to make, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 57 of the Mines Act, 1952 (35 of 1952) and on the recommendations of the Committee constituted under section 12 of the said Act, and in supersession of the Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 1961, are hereby published as required by sub-section (1) of section 59 of the said Act for the information of all persons likely to be affected thereby and notice is hereby given that the said draft regulations will be taken into consideration after the expiry of a period of three months from the date on which copies of the Gazette in which this notification is published, are made available to the public; 1. The objections or suggestions, if any, may be addressed to Shri S.K.Singh, Under Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Shram Shakti Bhawan, Rafi Marg, New Delhi 110 001. 2. Any objection or suggestion, which may be received from any person in respect of the said draft regulations within the period specified above, will be considered by the Central Government. DRAFT REGULATIONS

The Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012

CONTENTS
CHAPTER I. Preliminary PAGE

1 - 2
3 - 4

II.
III.

Returns, Notices and Records

Examinations and Certificates of Competency and of Fitness

5 - 10

IV.

Inspector and Mine Officials

11 - 14

V.

Duties and Responsibilities of Mine Management, Contractors,

Manufacturers, Officials, Competent Persons and Workmen

15 - 25

VI. VII. VIII. IX. X. XI. XII. XIII. XIV. XV. XVI.

Plans and Sections Means of Access and Egress

Transport of Men and Materials Winding in shafts

26 - 28 29 - 30 31 - 36 37 - 41 42 - 48 49 - 54 55 - 58 59 - 60 61 - 67 68 - 70 71 - 73

Transport of Men and Materials Haulage Mine Working Precautions against Dangers From Fire, Dust, Gas and Water Ventilation Lighting and Safety Lamps Explosives and Shotfiring Machinery, Plant and Equipment Miscellaneous Schedules First Schedule Second Schedule

74 - 100 101 - 104

The Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 2012

PROPOSED DRAFT
THE METALLIFEROUS MINES (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS, 2012

DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF MINES SAFETY MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT GOVERNMENT OF INDIA